Gyude Bryant accused of taking $1.3 million dollars while in office

Liberia's government says it has charged the country's former transitional leader, Gyude Bryant, with embezzling $1.3 million while in office.

Liberia's information minister tells VOA an investigation revealed that Mr. Bryant failed to account for the funds during his tenure, from October 2003 to January 2006.

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Mr. Bryant denies embezzlement and says he is prepared to fight the allegation in court.

Liberia's former warring factions chose Mr. Bryant to lead a transitional government in 2003 as part of a peace agreement. He was succeeded by Liberia's current elected president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in January 2006.

In a speech to the nation Monday, President Sirleaf promised to prosecute anyone involved in corruption in her government or in previous administrations. The Liberian information minister says the indictment of Mr. Bryant will put corrupt officials on notice.