19 May 2009

Senate president apologises for attacking radio reporter


(MFWA/IFEX) - In a statement issued on 13 May 2009 by the spokesman of the
office of the President Pro Tempore of Liberia's Senate, Senator Cletus S.
Wortorson apologised to Solomon Ware, a journalist of Truth FM, for an act
of aggression against him.

Media Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) correspondent said Senator
Wortorson apologised in the wake of the findings of the Press Union of
Liberia (PUL), which proved that he aggressively attacked Ware during an
interview at the Capitol Building.

A video footage reviewed by the PUL showed Wortorson shoving his elbow at
Ware when the latter attempted to inquire from Senator Wortorson why a
session of Liberia's Upper House ended in confusion.

The incident led to a media block-out against the office of the Pro Temp by
Legislative reporters who demanded an official apology.

Meanwhile, the Legislative Reporters Association said it would meet shortly
to decide its next course of action.