A Liberian radio station, Roots FM has been shut down by the country’s government for criticizing President George Weah on Thursday October 10.
The proprietor of the station, Henry Costa, an opposition leader who was among the group that staged anti-government protest that put all the sectors of economy in standstill in Monrovia on June 17, was accused of inciting violence.d
According to AFP, armed police riot unit surrounded the radio station building on Thursday morning, making it impossible for workers to move in and out and also firing teargas on fans of the radio station.
“It is indeed a very sad day, but I can assure you that we will never be silenced,” Costa told AFP in a telephone interview.
Commenting on security operatives taking over the radio station, Liberia’s solicitor-general Cyrinus Cephus said those running it (radio station) were blackmailing people and instigating violence.
“They have begun criminal acts of extortion and blackmail. They use their media to spread inflammatory messages against Liberian citizens, and engage in incitement.
“Beginning today there will be no public demonstration that is not … sanctioned by the government of Liberia,” Cyrinus Cephus told a press conference.
