Aaron Leaf and Emily Schmall/CPJ Guest Bloggers - Committee to Protect Journalists

A man in Liberia holds a sign in support of Rodney Sieh, whose newspaper was found guilty of libel. (Aaron Leaf)

In Liberia, silencing press critics through libel lawsuits

July 12, 2011 12:15 PM EDT

During Liberia’s 14-year civil war, the press was silenced through violence. Journalists now say they are the victims of a more subtle assault. They say a corrupt judiciary and a vindictive use of libel suits are a threat to an otherwise burgeoning free press.