Journalist beaten over parking

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The province's Ministry of Religious Affairs office apologized on Wednesday over an attack on five local journalists at a haj pilgrimage dormitory the day before.

Deputy head of the office Baharuddin Saenong told a group of protesting journalists that one of his staff, identified as Tasrif, had admitted his mistake and expressed regret over the incident, which resulted in SCTV correspondent Andre Bangsawan being punched on his jaw.

"We're very sorry for the incident and we promise to take firm action against the attackers," Baharuddin said.

The incident took place when Andre mistakenly parked his car in a lot reserved for officials. Andre was summoned several times to remove his car but could not respond because he was interviewing an official in charge of haj pilgrim affairs Mustofa.

Andre did not obey the summons upon Mustofa's advice, but a group of workers, led by Tasrif, attacked him and five fellow journalists when they were about to get into the car. (27/edt)