Senator Abel Manasaley reportedly threatened to close the radio station over an interview it aired.
(CEMESP/IFEX) – The station manager of Radio Cape Mount, a community radio station in Sinje Grand Cape Mount County, has complained of threats to close down the station because of an interview conducted and aired by his station.
Journalist Sheik Sonie told CEMESP that he received a telephone call from Grand Cape Mount County Senator Abel Manasaley on 26 September 2010, at which time the Senator threatened to close down the radio station and also vowed to ensure that Sonie, who is also a student at the University of Liberia, is dropped from the Institution.
The interview featured a religious leader in the community who was very critical of the current County leadership headed by Senator Manasaley.
The senator, formerly of the defunct rebel group the National Patriot Front of Liberia, is said to be the running mate of former warlord Prince Johnson in the upcoming 2011 Presidential and general elections in Liberia.
Meanwhile, CEMESP categorically condemned the threats issued by Senator Manasaley. CEMESP believed the threats trample on press freedom and freedom of expression in Liberia.
