MONROVIA — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom, cautioning that a draft bill titled “Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act” could significantly undermine freedom of speech and press freedom in Liberia.
Speaking Monday, March 9, 2026, during a public hearing before lawmakers, PUL President Julius Kanubah warned that altering the landmark KAK Act would represent a major setback to the country’s democratic progress, particularly reforms that decriminalized several speech-related offenses.
“The Press Union of Liberia is deeply concerned that the proposed amendment would undermine the spirit and letter of the KAK Act, which repealed oppressive laws such as criminal libel against the President, sedition, and criminal malevolence,” Kanubah said. “The draft legislation not only contradicts the progress made but also risks re-criminalizing free speech and press freedom.”
According to the PUL, the proposed Protection from Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act of 2026 could potentially create legal avenues for public officials to target individuals for critical or dissenting expression, especially on digital platforms.
While acknowledging the need to address harmful online conduct, Kanubah emphasized that criminal penalties are not the appropriate response.
“The PUL does not condone personal insults or abusive language,” he noted. “However, criminalizing such conduct is a disproportionate and dangerous response that could threaten fundamental freedoms.”
The draft legislation proposes penalties for individuals found guilty of using insulting, obscene, or harassing language through social media platforms, internet forums, or other electronic communication channels. Convictions could carry prison sentences of up to two years, fines ranging from L$50,000 to L$500,000, or both, depending on the court’s ruling.
The PUL argued that these measures are excessive and unnecessary, pointing out that existing civil provisions under Section 17.3 of Liberia’s Penal Law of 1978 already provide mechanisms for addressing disorderly conduct and abusive language.
Rather than weakening the KAK Act, the union is urging lawmakers to reject the amendment entirely. It noted that concerns about online harassment and digital abuse are already addressed in the proposed Cybercrime Act, which is currently under consideration by the Legislature.
“We appeal respectfully to the Joint Committee on Judiciary, Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Tourism, and the entire House of Representatives: do not amend the KAK Act of Press Freedom,” Kanubah urged. “To do so would set a dangerous precedent and risk sending people to jail simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”
Kanubah also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some officials across the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches to target individuals for critical commentary.
The PUL’s stance has received backing from prominent legal and human rights figures, including Kwame Clement, founding president and dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, and Ralph Nyuma of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights.
Clement, a respected legal scholar and journalist, echoed the union’s concerns and called on lawmakers to thoroughly review the bill to ensure that it does not undermine constitutional freedoms or discourage legitimate public discourse.
The draft Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment Act was introduced by Nyahn Flomo, Representative for Nimba County District 2, in response to growing concerns about the misuse of free expression on social media platforms.
However, fellow lawmaker Sumo Mulbah also voiced reservations during the hearing, warning against any legislation that could weaken press freedom or conflict with Liberia’s commitments under international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and various United Nations conventions.
The Press Union of Liberia has called on members of the House of Representatives of Liberia to defend the principles of free speech, expression, and an independent press—values it says remain essential pillars of democracy and good governance in the country.
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