No newspapers in Ivory Coast as reporters protest

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (Reuters) -- No newspapers were published in Ivory Coast on Thursday as journalists began a one-day strike to protest at the beating of a leading political correspondent by soldiers earlier this month.

Joachim Beugre of the independent daily Le Jour was summoned to see military ruler General Robert Guei on September 8 over an article he had written pointing out ambiguities in papers which Guei had submitted to election officials to prove he is Ivorian.

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After the meeting soldiers insisted on taking Beugre home. On the way he was badly beaten and ended up in hospital.

The National Union of Journalists (UNJCI) called "a day of protest against military delinquency."

The union had planned a protest march but this has been postponed to Friday to allow journalists to cover a meeting called by Guei with diplomats, political leaders, army chiefs and a wide array of social groups.

Guei is expected to address them on the events of Monday, when his home was attacked in what he says was an assassination attempt. At least 14 soldiers, including members of his guard, are under arrest in connection with the attack.

The government said in a statement read on state television that Thursday's strike concerned only journalists.

It said people had been going round telling shops not to open because there would be trouble and it reiterated the military authorities' pledge to protect people and property.

The armed forces seized power in a coup in December 1999. Elections to return the country to democratic rule are due to begin with a presidential election on October 22. Guei is among the candidates.

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