Liberia drops TV crew charges
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Under mounting international pressure, the Liberian government has dropped all charges against a detained Bartish television crew accused of spying in this West African country.
Under mounting international pressure, the Liberian government has dropped all charges against a detained Bartish television crew accused of spying in this West African country.
Justice Minister Eddington Varmah said the government had agreed to release the four journalists from London-based Insight News Television - two Britons, a South African and a Sierra Leonean - in exchange for an apology. "As far as the government is concerned, with the dropping of these charges, this case is closed," Varmah said at a news briefing.
In a short handwritten letter to President Charles Taylor, the journalists apologized, "To both his excellency the president of Liberia and the people of Liberia for any offense which our action or statements have caused." Incite News has repeatedly insisted that the four were in Liberia for valid journalistic purposes and were innocent of all charges. It was not immediately clear when the journalists would be released, though it was expected to be soon. Defense and persecution lawyers met throughout the day Thursday to work out the deal.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments