Director of presidential security services threatens journalists in Liberia

What was expected to be an exciting and reflective World Press Freedom Day celebration turned dismal and confrontational when the director of the Executive Protection Services (EPS) made scathing remarks, threatening Liberian journalists.

Mr. Othello Warrick did not mince words, saying that as Director of the EPS "I will get at anyone who intrudes into the intelligence of the presidency."

He issued the threat when he served as a panelist on the 20th observance of World Press Freedom Day, on 3 May, in Buchanan city, Grand Bassa.

In response to a question, Mr. Warrick said that some journalists are terrorists, adding that such people cannot be tolerated in society.

The topic for this year’s global celebration was titled "Safe to speak : Securing freedom of expression in all media". The local media theme was "Media-security relations : An imperative for consolidating the peace in Liberia".

Further speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Warrick said that the role of the EPS is to provide maximal protection for the presidency, inclusive of the vice president and their families and those recommended by the presidency.

He cautioned that journalists have their pens and the EPS has its guns, pointing out that there should be a line of demarcation.

Incidentally, this is the same government official that has filed a lawsuit against the Monitor Newspaper , in the tune of 1.5million USD for damages.

Center for Media Studies & Peace Building