NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The main opposition Free National Movement(FNM) has denied a claim by senior party official Richard Johnson that he had been assaulted by party leaders outside an FNM meeting last week.
“It is regrettable that Mr Richard Johnson, in the wake of this traumatic event, has chosen to falsely accuse the leadership of the FNM of involvement in such a vile and cowardly attack,” the FNM said in a statement.
“Not only is any such involvement denied, but we are concerned that such a baseless and spurious statement could be so casually and recklessly uttered and repeatedly broadcast,” the party added.
Johnson, the national vice chairman and described as a supporter of former prime minister and FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, has since filed a complaint with the police.
The FNM said that attempts to link the incident to Johnson’s criticism of the party in the past or pending internal party disciplinary proceedings are dishonest and misguided.
“Neither the FNM nor any member of its leadership team had any involvement in the alleged attack upon Mr Johnson. The FNM remains open to persons of different views and diverse opinions. We expect that such difference is expressed with respect, in decency, and free of violence.”
The party said it is investigating the incident and will take steps to secure its headquarters and precincts.
“Our goal is to ensure that every member of the FNM feels safe and empowered, and we will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure that all party members and supporters can participate fully and freely in the valuable work of the FNM,” the party said.
Johnson sued the FNM last year after the executives unanimously barred him from council meetings.
Earlier this year, Supreme Court Justice Deborah Fraser instituted an injunction preventing the party’s leaders from barring him from council meetings until she had addressed the substantive matter.
The Court also restrained him from exercising any powers or duties he may have under the party’s constitution, pending a determination of his lawsuit against the party leadership.
and then  has denied a claim by senior party official Richard Johnson that he had been assaulted){kind=link}