PRESS UNION OF LIBERIA (PUL)
Benson Street ~ P.O. Box 20-4209~1000 Monrovia 10, Liberia ~Tel./Fax(231)227105

PRESS RELEASE

MONROVIA, October 18, 2001 (PUL) The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is becoming increasingly concerned about the apparent unending paralysis of the judicial system as a result of the standoff between the House of Representatives and the Liberia National Bar Association.

This situation is severely undermining the criminal justice system of the country, the functioning of which the two august bodies are under obligation to ensure, if the rule of law is to prevail and justice smoothly dispensed.
The PUL calls for the release of the two lawyers from further detention.

The Union believes the release of the lawyers will reduce tension and bring relief to those whose legal interests are being affected by the continuous closure of the courts.

The Union said the detention of the two legal practitioners, Counselors Marcus Jones and Ishmael Campbell for advocating the rights of the president of the LNBA is a threat to free expression.

The PUL also considers the action of the House of Representatives as an attack on the right to hold opinion and a violation of the lawyers' right to assemble and seek redress to their grievances as provided under Article 17of the Liberian Constitution.

The Union wishes to call attention to Article 15 (a) and (b) and Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution.

Article 15 (a)" Every person shall have the tight to freedom of expression being fully responsible for the abuse thereof. This right shall not be curtailed, restricted or enjoined by government save during an emergency declared in accordance with this Constitution and 'b' states in part: the right encompasses the right to hold opinions without interference and the right to knowledge.

Under Article 17 " All persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances…"

The Union believes that as the nation strives to nurture and promote democracy, it is imperative that all Liberians exhibit the highest degree of tolerance of divergent views especially so during these difficult times.

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Signed:
Malcolm W. Joseph
Secretary General/PUL