Son of ex-ruler of Liberia disappears from prison

Albert Tolbert, son of assassinated former Liberian President William Tolbert , is now presumed dead after mysteriously disappearing from his detention cell, Liberian ruler Samuel K. Doe announced.

Sergeant Doe, who led the group of Liberian noncommissioned officers that ousted President Tolbert in a bloody coup 20 months ago, told the nation in a Christmas message that Albert Tolbert had been taken away from his cell earlier this year ''under cover of darkness'' and transferred to another penal institution in an unspecified location.

The Liberian leader said the young Tolbert has not been accounted for since.

Doe also set set April 12, 1985, as the date for his country to return to civilian rule.