Published: November 26, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Liberia’s Speaker of the House, Richard Nagbe Koon, surprised reporters covering the Legislature on Thursday when he threatened to “jail” any journalist who recorded or published proceedings from the chamber before a quorum was established — a statement that has sparked outrage and renewed fears of growing hostility toward the press.
The confrontation happened during the 12th-day session of the 3rd Quarter of the 2nd Session, after the House failed to meet the minimum number of lawmakers needed to conduct official business. As members stayed in informal talks across the chamber, Speaker Koon suddenly turned to the press gallery and issued a warning that reporters described as aggressive and deeply disturbing.
Koon: “Press, this session is not legal yet. Anything you record here, we will deal with y’all. Y’all carry anything from here, and we grab your—when we don’t put y’all in jail, y’all should change my name. When we catch y’all, y’all will believe it.”
The remarks immediately froze the chamber. Journalists exchanged stunned looks, with some describing the threat as the most aggressive public outburst they’ve seen from a sitting Speaker in years. Several reporters later told The Liberian Investigator that the Speaker’s tone and phrasing clearly aimed to intimidate and limit coverage.
At the time of the threat, lawmakers were engaged in casual discussions, including a light exchange involving Rep. J. Marvin Cole, who referenced past tensions from the 2024 House leadership standoff. Journalists say such moments, even when informal, are part of the public record and must be documented.
Tensions escalated when Montserrado County District #7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn abruptly left the chamber after expressing frustration over how the committee was handling his proposed health law. Dahn’s bill, which aims to require emergency medical treatment before payment, was rejected by the committee report but was later sent back for further review after lawmakers pushed back.
Journalists followed Dahn to clarify his concerns but were blocked when they tried to re-enter the chamber. Doormen refused them access, insisting the session was still in progress. Capitol reporters say these restrictions have become more common.
“This has become routine being stopped, ordered to wait outside, or denied access altogether,” said one reporter, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “But being threatened with jail? That crosses a dangerous line.”
It was only after senior House staff intervened that journalists were eventually permitted back into the chamber.
“The Legislature is a public institution funded by taxpayers,” one constitutional expert told TLI. “Threatening journalists with jail for documenting proceedings — even informal ones — is unlawful and undermines democratic accountability.”
Following the incident, the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL), the organization representing journalists assigned to the National Legislature, issued a strongly worded statement condemning Speaker Koon’s comments.
“We are troubled by threats raised by the Speaker. This is an affront to journalism and the free press,” the statement said. “We are journalists, not domestic workers for the Speaker. If this continues, we will take decisive action. We call on the Government and the international community to ensure the safety of journalists on Capitol Hill.”
Other journalists, requesting anonymity, described Koon’s behavior as “demeaning” and “intended to silence scrutiny.”
“We do not work for Speaker Koon,” one said. “We are assigned by our institutions. His remarks were meant to intimidate us, but we will not be bullied into silence.”
The incident adds to a growing pattern of concerns over access, transparency, and journalist safety covering the Legislature — a trend press advocates warn could erode public trust in a key branch of government.
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