(CEMESP/IFEX) - Radio Cape Mount Community Station Manager Shirkh Sonii was on  May 27 released from imprisonment  after spending one night in prison.

Journalist Sonii said his incarceration came as a result of misinformation broadcast on his station referring to the 5th Judicial Circuit court as the 11th  judicial circuit court.
Prior to that, the Superintendent of Grand Cape County Madam Catherine Watson Kasue expressed regrets over the absence of the two community radio stations (Radio Cape Mount and Radio Piso) at the opening of the May term of the 5th Judicial Circuit court.

Journalist . Shirkh Sonii for a conference but it was not clear whether it was due to the Superintendent’s asserting. Shorkh did not turn out due to a breakdown the station was experiencing and had to be on the scene during the repair.

He rather sent the Director of News Mark Rogers to proxy on his behalf. Madam Jones insisted the presence of Mr. Sonii. She then sent Mark with a writ of arrest for Mr. Sonii.

Though the May 11 citation stated a conference with Her Honour Amy Musu K. Jones to take place on Wednesday May 18, it later turned out to be contempt.

“On the day (May 26) of my submission to the writ of arrest, the County Attorney and the Sheriff arrested me at 9:45am and detained in Tienii for 10hrs and later taken to Robertsport and spent the rest of the night in prison”. Shirkh continue as saying “on Friday at 9:45am the Sheriff took me to the court for trial on while I should not be held in contempt.”

In spite of reasons provided by Shirkh, he was found guilty and fined 500.00 Liberian Dollars (7.14 USD equivalent) which was paid in government revenue.