Africa-Press – Liberia. SATCON-Liberia, a satellite television content provider that has reportedly been operating illegally in the country, is yet to adhere to a court order to have its headquarters shut down, sources have said.
The order, issued by Liberia’s Commercial Court last weekend, caused controversy as the sheriffs responsible for enforcing the closure reportedly did not carry out the directive.
Instead, they left the company’s operations untouched, sources informed the Daily Observer over the weekend.
The satellite broadcasting company was ordered shut down by the Liberian judiciary after being found guilty of illegally broadcasting premium football content, including the English Premier League and the Spanish LaLiga, without proper licensing. Despite this ruling, SATCON has reportedly continued airing the matches, in defiance of the court’s directive.
It is against this backdrop that the Civil Society Council Working Group (CSCWG) has expressed strong disapproval of Satcom’s “defiance of a court order to cease operations following charges of unauthorized broadcasting of premium football content.”
“Despite the judicial ruling, the company is reported to have continued airing matches, which has prompted criticism from the CSCWG for disregarding Liberian laws and undermining the authority of the judiciary,” the group said in a statement issued in Monrovia on Wednesday, May 21.
The case, brought forward by Consolidated Group and its CEO Simeon Freeman, alleged that Satcom Liberia and co-defendant K3 Telecom were broadcasting sports content, including English Premier League and La Liga matches, without authorization from DSTV through MultiChoice Africa and SuperSport.
CSCWG, a grassroots coalition committed to the rule of law and the rights of ordinary citizens, has strongly condemned what it describes as a blatant disregard for a Liberian court order by SATCON Liberia and its CEO, Asaf Rosenheck.
The group raised concerns over foreign companies, especially those led by non-Liberian nationals, disrespecting the country’s legal framework–calling on relevant authorities to ensure the enforcement of the court’s decision, stating that allowing such non-compliance could set a negative precedent and weaken public confidence in the legal system.
“We are deeply concerned and dismayed by the continued operation of SATCON and the arrogance displayed by its CEO, Mr. Asaf Rosenheck,” the CSCWG stated in a press release. “This is a clear and deliberate violation of the laws of Liberia, and it undermines the authority of our judiciary.”
The civil society group further criticized what it views as a growing trend of foreign companies, particularly those led by Lebanese and other foreign nationals, showing contempt for Liberian law.
“It is saddening that foreigners operating on our soil continue to treat our laws as though they are meaningless,” the statement continued. “No one is above the law. SATCON must not be allowed to continue these illegal broadcasts. If they wish to air content such as LaLiga or the Premier League, they must go back to the drawing table, negotiate proper licenses, and operate within the law.”
The CSCWG has called on the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Broadcasting Authority, and all relevant agencies to enforce the court’s ruling without fear or favor. They emphasized that allowing SATCON’s actions to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust in the country’s legal system.
“We will not stand by in silence while our courts are ridiculed,” the group concluded. “Let SATCON respect our courts, comply with the law, or face the full consequences.”
Meanwhile, SATCON remains mute since the court ruling, as officials hardly pick up their calls or reply to messages. But a source close to the management, who asked not to be named, said that the company will reply to the ruling soon.
Source: Liberianobserver
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