-7-member Team Led by Editor Augustus D. R. Bortue to Report in 7 Working Days Amid Corruption and Leadership Allegations
MONROVIA — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) on Monday announced an Independent Panel of Journalism and Media Professionals to investigate complaints involving the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) and the Association of Judicial Reporters of Liberia (AJURL).
The seven-member panel is chaired by veteran editor Augustus D. R. Bortue, with Lucia Dohr as co-chair and Abraham Kolleh Morris as secretary. Other members are Zeowheh Saywrayne–Sumo, Henry Karmo, C. Elwood Dunn, and Wilhemina Garr–Stevens.
According to the PUL, the panel will work with the union’s leadership under the guidance of PUL Vice President Beatrice Tetee Sieh, in line with Article 7, Sections 1 and 2 of the PUL Constitution. It is expected to submit findings within seven working days.
The move follows a series of formal complaints received by the PUL between October 2024 and September 2025 from members and officials of both associations. Allegations against RAL include corruption, abuse of power and constitutional violations, filed by journalist J. Yekeh F. Kwaytah and by a group calling itself the “Majority Leaders of the Reporters Association of Liberia,” comprising Augustine T. Saah, “Secretary General,” and Henscin Dehgar, “Vice President.”
Concerns about an alleged “leadership gap” at AJURL were raised by journalists Stephen Roberts, Jacqueline L. Dennis, and G. Watson Richards.
The union urged all journalists and media practitioners named in the petitions to cooperate fully with the investigation and called on complainants and supporters to maintain professionalism throughout the process. It also cautioned against threats and condemnatory statements on social media until the complaints are adjudicated.
The PUL reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and transparent process aimed at upholding ethical standards and accountability within Liberia’s media community.
