Governor apologizes for press attack

Governor apologizes for press attack

JAYAPURA, Papua: Papua Governor Jaap Salossa apologized to the media on Monday over an attack on a Metro TV reporter by one of the governor's staff members, but did not say whether the attacker would be punished.

The apology was offered to Frans Ohoiwutun, deputy chairman of the Papuan branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), after a meeting with the governor.

The meeting was attended by local media correspondents and the press organization's leadership at Salossa's office in Jayapura, Papua.

"The governor will write to the Metro TV editor-in-chief in Jakarta to ensure that the case is settled amicably," Ohoiwutun said, adding that Salossa had visited the victim's home on Sunday to apologize directly.

M.H. Imran, the Metro TV correspondent, was reportedly slapped across the face earlier on Sunday by Papua protocol bureau head Elly F. Aury after the victim interviewed the governor about the famine in Yahukimo regency that has killed at least 55 people so far.

Auri admitted the attack, saying he had been angered by the "unethical behavior" displayed by Imran during the interview. The case is being probed by local police. --Antara