Gambian journalist escapes jail term

A journalist in the Gambia was sentenced to a year in jail with the option of a fine 50,000 dalasi (£930) on a charge of publishing false information. Lamin Fatty, who worked for a bi-weekly, The Independent, incorrectly reported last March that a minister had been detained in the wake of a purported coup attempt. Fatty's fine was paid by the Gambia Press Union. (Via AllAfrica.com)