Open Records Laws › Liberia

Liberia

Freedom of Information Act 2010

Freedom of Information Act 2010

RTI Rating: 123 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
30 days
Extension
30 days
Residency Required
None

30 calendar days from receipt. May extend an additional 30 days if request requires extensive search or consultation, with written notice to requester.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written requests to public body or Information Commissioner', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Oral requests allowed if requester cannot write', 'method': 'oral'}

Requests may be made in writing or orally to the public body. Oral requests accommodated for those unable to write. Request should specify information sought and preferred format.

Required Elements

  • Description of information requested
  • Preferred format of information

Fees

No fee to submit request. Public bodies may charge only actual costs of reproduction (copying, printing) and delivery. Fees must be reasonable and not used to obstruct access.

Exemptions

  • Defense and national security
    Information that could prejudice defense or national security of Liberia
  • International relations
    Information that could harm relations between Liberia and foreign governments or international organizations
  • Law enforcement
    Information that could prejudice prevention, detection, or investigation of offenses or apprehension of offenders
  • Privacy
    Personal information disclosure of which would constitute unreasonable invasion of privacy
  • Commercial confidentiality
    Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained in confidence
  • Economic interests
    Information premature disclosure of which could harm economic interests of Liberia
  • Judicial process
    Information that could prejudice fair administration of justice or fair trial
  • Deliberative process
    Records of Cabinet, National Security Council, or internal deliberations if disclosure would undermine decision-making
  • Statutory prohibitions
    Information prohibited from disclosure by other legislation

All exemptions except statutory prohibitions (s8(1)(i)) are discretionary and subject to harm test: disclosure must be "likely to cause substantial harm" to protected interest. Public interest override applies to all discretionary exemptions (s8(2)): information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm. Strong presumption favoring disclosure. Severability required: exempt portions must be redacted and non-exempt portions released (s9).

Appeal Process

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Requester may appeal denial or failure to respond within 60 days to Independent Information Commissioner. Internal review by public body (15-day response) is optional but not required before Commissioner appeal. Commissioner investigates and issues binding order within 30 days. Either party may appeal Commissioner decision to circuit court within 30 days for de novo review. Burden of proof on public body to justify denial.

Sources & References