Liberia: CFWIJ condemns the threatening messages targeting journalist Aryee Davis

June 29, 2021- Aryee Davis has endured life-threatening messages following two of her publications on Green Coast TV's online news platform. Assigned to the Liberian Legislature, Aryee reported academic fraud involving one of the members of the House of Representatives. Grand Gedeh county representative Alex Grant reportedly submitted fake credentials to the University of Liberia. Aryee covered the story and received vicious threats from supporters of the representative. CFWIJ is alarmed by the intense nature of the threats against the journalist. We urge cybersecurity officials in the country to look into the matter and hold the involved supporters of Alex Grant accountable. 

Aryee Davis reached out to the Center of Media Studies and Peacebuilding in a written complaint stating, “I have been receiving threatening messages, comments from unknown individuals against me, my children, and my close relatives. I kindly write for your swift intervention and to subsequently investigate the matter, as we speak, my life is under threat.” Aryee mentioned in her complaint that she received threats over Facebook messenger, presumably from supporters of Alex Grant. 

In her written complaint, she highlighted a Facebook user named “Gedeh Eagleeses”, alleging the account sent her dozens of threats via Facebook messenger. In her two articles, the journalist revealed that Grand Gedeh county representative Alex Grant lied, claiming he was a graduate of the Ibadan University of Nigeria. After the stories received considerable public traction, the University of Liberia expelled Alex Grant from its graduate program for committing academic fraud. 

Malcolm Joseph, executive director of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, has assured Aryee that the center will meet with the lawmaker to address the life-threatening messages and comments against her. He condemned the perpetrators, calling them cowards and agents of anti-press freedom. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands cybersecurity authorities immediately address the threats targeting Aryee and investigate the accounts involved. We demand a safer online space for Aryee Davis and all women journalists in the country.