Police Chief vows to protect journalist
Police director Clarence C. Massaquoi, has pledged support to protecting journalists in the country. Speaking at program in observance of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists at the YMCA in Monrovia on Monday, Director Massaquoi said the Police are good friends in the media, vowing to do all he can to protect journalists while in the discharge of the duties.
He said the doors of the Liberia National Police are always open to the media to investigate crimes, assuring that no member of the LNP will go with impunity if caught in malhandling journalists. The Police chief said in order to break the culture of impunity and create a safe climate for practicing journalists here, it’s time that the media know the red line and keep in check.
“It is true that the media have a responsibility to inform the people, but the Police also have the right to save lives, including journalists”, Director Massaquoi added. The Police are working for the he public like you journalists do, so let’s work as a team in order to keep our country safe.”
Many times journalists have been maltreated by the Police in Liberia, but speaking at the national symposium yesterday at the YMCA in Monrovia the LNP boss vehemently denied that Police have put hands on journalists, while in the discharge of their duties.
In a message, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, said, a free and open press is part of the bedrock of democracy and development, noting that no journalist anywhere should have to risk his life to report the news, and that together, everyone should stand up for journalists.
