MONROVIA – The Civil Society Council Working Group (CSCWG), a grassroots coalition committed to the rule of law and the rights of ordinary citizens, has strongly condemned what it describes as a blatant disregard for a Liberian court order by SATCOM Liberia and its CEO, Asaf Rosenheck.
SATCOM, a satellite broadcasting company operating in the country, was ordered shut down by the court after being found guilty of illegally broadcasting premium football contents, including the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga, without proper licensing. Despite this ruling, SATCOM has reportedly continued airing the matches in defiance of the court’s directive.
“We are deeply concerned and dismayed by the continued operation of SATCOM and the arrogance displayed by its CEO, Mr. Asaf Rosenheck,” the CSCWG stated in a press release. “This is a clear and deliberate violation of the laws of Liberia, and it undermines the authority of our judiciary.”
The civil society group further criticized what it views as a growing trend of foreign companies, particularly those led by Lebanese and other foreign nationals, showing contempt for Liberian law.
“It is saddening that foreigners operating on our soil continue to treat our laws as though they are meaningless,” the statement continued. “No one is above the law. SATCOM must not be allowed to continue these illegal broadcasts. If they wish to air content such as LaLiga or the Premier League, they must go back to the drawing table, negotiate proper licenses, and operate within the law.”
The CSCWG has called on the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Broadcasting Authority, and all relevant agencies to enforce the court’s ruling without fear or favor. They emphasized that allowing SATCOM’s actions to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust in the country’s legal system.
“We will not stand by in silence while our courts are ridiculed,” the group concluded. “Let SATCOM respect our courts, comply with the law, or face the full consequences.”
As of this publication, SATCOM has not officially responded to the accusations.
