The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Wednesday urged Liberian authorities to ensure justice following the assault and abduction of journalist Alex Seryea Yormie on June 30.

Yormie was allegedly taken by members of the Poro Society “traditionalist” group shortly after a broadcast wherein he announced a government directive suspending the group’s activities. He reported being forced into a vehicle, beaten, and subjected to hours of abuse. He was moved between multiple locations and, according to his account, nearly subjected to initiation rituals associated with the Poro Society. However, the process was stopped by the group’s local “Bush Master” in light of the government’s suspension order.

On July 1, authorities arrested Melvin Duo, the General Culture Coordinator of Nimba County, in relation to the abduction. He was charged on July 14 with recklessly endangering someone, simple assault, and felonious restraint. With proceedings expected to continue, CPJ’s call reinforces the importance of prosecuting those responsible and ensuring journalists are protected from retaliatory attacks.

According to Yormie, Duo contacted him after the broadcast and summoned him for questioning about why the Poro suspension was aired. After Yormie declined, he was abducted. The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and national police later intervened to secure his release. Duo has acknowledged the abduction but denied any physical abuse, instead claiming Yormie was being initiated as part of cultural tradition. However, authorities confirmed that Yormie required immediate medical attention for visible injuries.

The Poro Society is a traditional all-male secret society in Liberia known for enforcing customary norms through secluded bush schools. Young boys are typically initiated into adulthood through rituals that take place in the “bush”—rural or forested areas designated for traditional education. These initiations include practices tied to farming, hunting, singing, and symbolism, intended to instill moral and spiritual values. Membership requires an oath of secrecy, with social penalties and, in some accounts, threats of violence imposed on those who break it.

PUL has condemned the incident, calling it a violation of press freedom and an unacceptable act of violence, even in the context of protecting cultural secrecy.

While not affiliated with the state, secret societies like the Poro and its female counterpart, the Sande Society, have faced growing scrutiny from human rights groups. The United Nations Mission in Liberia has previously reported that over half of Liberian women undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) as part of Sande rituals, often without anesthesia.

While the Poro Society operates outside formal state control, Liberia remains bound by international human rights obligations. As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture, Liberia is required to prevent torture and ensure the protection of journalists and free expression.

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Liberia ranks 54 out of 180 on the 2024 Press Freedom Index, an improvement from its 2023 rank of 60th. While RSF noted progress in access to information, it also cited Liberia’s ongoing failure to prosecute attacks on the press as a major concern.