Irian journalist harassed

Irian journalist harassed

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The local chapter of the Association of
Indonesian Journalists condemned yesterday a bank official who
allegedly harassed a journalist, covering last week's Rp 1.9
billion ($808,000) embezzlement trial, in the bank.

Yoseph Herbelubun an official of the Merauke chapter of Bank
Pembangunan Daerah was one of several bank officials called as a
witness by the district court over the scam.

Herbelubun reportedly warned Baharuddin about reporting the
case, a reporter from Cendrawasih Pos newspaper said.

Deputy chief of the local chapter of the journalists
association Soehendarto said the threat was deplorable, Antara
reported.

He said the threat should not discourage Baharuddin from
reporting the scandal. (pan)