Liberian journalist Alex Seryea Yormie was abducted and brutally beaten by members of a local traditional society in northeastern Nimba county after broadcasting a government order suspending the activities of the Poro society, a centuries-old men’s society that enforces community laws.
Yormie, who works for the community-based Lar-Wehyi radio station, was attacked by nine assailants who carried him to several locations, beating him with sticks, stripping him naked, and tying his genitals with ropes.
The journalist received medical treatment for cuts all over his body and has filed a complaint against the perpetrators, with one Poro leader, Melvin Duo, arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, simple assault, and felonious restraint.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Liberian authorities to ensure justice for Yormie and guarantee the safety of the press to report on sensitive subjects without facing retaliatory attacks.
