[HCDX]: Liberian radio stations closed down

[Mika Makelainen <mika@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Liberian president Charles Taylor closed down Star Radio and suspended
Radio Veritas on Wednesday, March 15th. In a press conference in
Monrovia on Friday, March 17th, Taylor accused Star Radio of propaganda
directed against the government. Star Radio was forced off the air on
shortwaves already in 1998, but has continued spreading news on the
internet - something which Taylor labelled as a "cyber war".

Various human rights organizations, the Press Union of Liberia and the
United States have protested against the closure saying it seriously
violates press freedom in the country. The United States is concerned,
because the station was partly funded by United States Agency for
International Development (USAID). The station was however set up by the
Hirondelle Foundation, a Swiss-based NGO.

Taylor vowed that Star Radio would not be allowed to operate as long as
he remains in power. He would allow Radio Veritas to resume broadcasting
only if its programming would be limited to religious content - a
restriction which the Catholic radio station has not accepted.

Given the powerful position of Taylor, it seems unlikely that these two
stations will return on the air - at least not for several years.

Mika Makelainen
http://www.makelainen.com/dx/dxpedit.htm

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