Another Legislative reporter assaulted

The Legislative Press Pool has condemned another alleged insult and assault against one of its members, journalist Henry Karmo of FrontPage Africa newspaper by Montserrado County Rep. Munah Pelham Youngblood.

A release issued by the press pool accuses the Montserrado District #9 Rep. Youngblood of allegedly insulting and assaulting Mr. Karmo openly in plenary.

The press pool claims that Rep. Youngblood’s attack against Mr. Karmo was on the basis of an alleged story reported that she says was against her.

Reporter Karmo is said to have written a story indicating that Rep. Youngblood had double roles as alleged Protocol Officer and Representative at the same time when President George Manneh Weah delivered his first Annual Message at the Capitol.

While Rep. Youngblood was allegedly insulting and assaulting reporter
Karmo, Speaker Bhofal Chambers was said to have intervened, allegedly urging her in open session to stop.

LEGISPOL describes the action by the Representative as unacceptable
and undemocratic. The group at the Legislature says the Legislature is now becoming a hostile place for journalism in Liberia.

This latest action follows the alleged flogging of two journalists upon the
order of Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence.

LEGISPOL is meanwhile calling on its members not to bow to the alleged intimidation from the lawmakers and continue to work with commitment and dedication to the profession by reporting the truth without fear. –Press release