Monrovia, Liberia – August 2, 2026 – Liberian journalist and activist Togar Alexander Bealded has welcomed the decision of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Government of Liberia, demanding the public release of evidence supporting claims that a “drug cartel” has infiltrated the media with money to influence public discourse surrounding ongoing narcotics investigations.
Bealded described the PUL’s action as timely, responsible, and necessary to protect the integrity of Liberia’s media landscape. He called for a full-scale, independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the public statement made by Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman.
According to Bealded, broad and unsubstantiated allegations against the media place the lives, reputations, and safety of journalists at serious risk, particularly those who have consistently spoken out against drug trafficking and organized crime like himself
“As a Liberian journalist and activist who has consistently advocated for a drug-free society, I believe these sweeping allegations put journalists like myself at unnecessary risk. Such statements, when made without publicly available evidence, can undermine public confidence in the media and expose journalists to intimidation, suspicion, and possible retaliation,” Bealded said.
He further emphasized that allegations of such magnitude should be supported by credible evidence and pursued through established legal and investigative processes rather than broad public pronouncements.
Bealded commended PUL President Julius Kanubah and the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia for what he described as a principled and courageous response.
“I commend PUL President Julius Kanubah and the leadership of the Press Union for taking a firm stand in defense of press freedom and professional journalism. This remarkable approach ensures that serious accusations are not reduced to flimsy allegations without evidence or accountability. If there is credible proof, it should be presented and those responsible held accountable. If not, the integrity of innocent journalists must be protected,” he added.
Bealded reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking, promoting accountability, and defending a free, independent, and responsible press as essential pillars of Liberia’s democracy.
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