The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) strongly condemns the violent attack on Smile FM, a community radio station based in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, southeastern Liberia. The incident, which took place on May 5, 2025, involved the assault of a media worker and the forced shutdown of the station under the reported directive of the county’s Superintendent, Alex Grant.
During the raid, Smile FM’s broadcast technician Cyrus Gbewaya was physically assaulted and dragged out of the station by individuals allegedly acting on Superintendent Grant’s instructions. His mobile phone was also destroyed in the process. In a further escalation, the police, reportedly acting on orders from the Superintendent, took control of the station and barred staff from accessing the premises, effectively silencing the only community radio outlet in the region.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has condemned the attack and expressed serious concerns over the political interference in the station’s operations. PUL reports suggest a deepening crisis at Smile FM, marked by the emergence of rival Boards of Directors and contested leadership, developments viewed as deliberate efforts to undermine the station’s editorial independence.
Superintendent Grant has denied ordering the attack but confirmed he authorised the station’s closure based on security intelligence. However, this action has deprived citizens of Grand Gedeh the access to timely, relevant, and independent information, which is vital to democratic engagement and community development.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) urges the central government of Liberia to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that state actors, including regional authorities, are held accountable for actions that violate media rights.
The MFWA reiterates its solidarity with Smile FM and the broader Liberian media fraternity, and urges the Government of Liberia to take swift steps to restore the station’s operations, guarantee the safety of its staff, and protect the independence of community media across the country.