PUL Takes Action to Secure Release of Two Journalists in Margibi County
The Press Union of Liberia is seeking the release of journalists Elvis Gono and Philip Gbana, who have been detained for not producing a woman as guarantors. They allegedly did not receive a court summons, although they maintain their commitment to return her. The PUL is filing legal paperwork for their release and appreciates judicial assistance during this matter.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is actively working to secure the release of two journalists, Elvis Gono and Philip Gbana, who were detained on February 10, 2025, in Kakata, Margibi County. They were charged with “Contempt of Court” by Judge Golda A. Bona Elliot of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court due to their failure to present a woman for whom they stood as guarantors. The woman, previously arrested in September 2024 for allegedly damaging a vehicle’s windshield, was involved in a case linked to a murder.
Both journalists had acted as guarantors and were responsible for returning the woman to court when required. However, Margibi County Attorney Deddeh Wilson indicated that they did not fulfill this obligation, despite the court’s attempts to contact them. Gono and Gbana refuted these claims, asserting they never received a court summons related to the woman. On February 12, 2025, the woman’s family brought her to court after she had recently given birth.
Currently, both journalists remain detained in the Kakata Central Prison along with the woman, who is now a nursing mother. Her infant is being cared for by the maternal grandmother. The PUL is in the process of filing legal documents to secure the journalists’ release and has expressed gratitude to Judge Elliot and the justice ministry officials for their support during this situation.
As the PUL continues to advocate for Gono and Gbana, further updates regarding their status will be provided as developments unfold.
The Press Union of Liberia is striving to secure the release of journalists Elvis Gono and Philip Gbana, detained for Contempt of Court due to their failure to produce a woman they had guaranteed. Despite claims from the authorities, the journalists deny receiving a summons, and the PUL is actively pursuing legal action to facilitate their release while expressing appreciation for judicial support.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
