By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor in Monrovia
Prime FM and Television legislative reporter Austin Kawa has filed a formal complaint to the Liberia Media Council against Grand Bassa Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence for her violent attack against him while performing his reportorial duty in the chambers of the Liberian Senate at the Capitol Building.
On January 31, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of Grand Bassa County reportedly ordered the flogging of journalists Abraham Morris of the Inprofile Newspaper and Austin Kawa of Prime FM.
The two journalists are among several media practitioners assigned to cover activities of both houses of the National Legislature.
Our Correspondent said the incident occurred Wednesday during the confirmation hearing of Justice Minister-designate, Charles Gibson.
The two journalists were ‘flogged’ by the Sergeant-At-Arm, General Tor C. Toe of the Liberian Senate allegedly on the orders of the Grand Bassa County lawmaker.
Senator Lawrence is said to have told the Sergeant-At-Arm not to allow anyone enter the Senate’s Chambers after she entered.
Our reporter said after Sen. Lawrence’s order, journalist Morris attempted entering but was stopped and shoved around.
When journalist Austin Kawa went to find out as to what was happening, the Sergeant-At-Arm ordered him to leave the scene. Our reporter said while Kawa was leaving the scene, the Sergeant-At-Arm ‘grabbed’ one of his fingers and bit it.
Meanwhile, the Acting President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Octavin Williams has welcomed the re-branding of the National Media Council, with strong confidence from some aggrieved members of Legislative Press Poll (LEGISPOL).
Mr. Octavin Williams said the courage by journalists Austin Kawah and Abraham Morris to complained some members of the Liberian Senate on accounts of alleged insults sets a new precedence and separates the functions of lawmakers and the National Media Council.
Mr. Williams said the case, which is expected to get underway, will open a new opportunity for self-watch of brutality, intimidation and unethical actions between some members of the public and media workers.
The Acting PUL President believes the successful and professional conduct of the investigation by the Media Council will set the record straight and put to rest the matter instead of shielding individuals who could have been linked to the commission of the controversy.
Mr. Williams wants members of the National Media Council to critically examine the substance of the case, especially the intent of the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate to set up a government probe outside of the National Media Council, something he said was clearly intended to undermine the establishment of the Council.
The Acting Press Union President encourages the National Media Council to summon all parties linked to the alleged assault case including Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and ensure equitable justice.
