The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the jail sentence and fine handed out to Venezuelan columnist Francisco Perez.
"It is a brutal, unacceptable judgment with very few international precedents," said the Brussels-based body that represents around 600,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.
Pérez, a columnist for El Carabobeño newspaper, was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail plus a fine of £13,500 for accusing a mayor of nepotism.
"We condemn this harsh and unacceptable sentence which takes media repression in Venezuela to record levels," said Aidan White, IFJ's general secretary. He said court rulings in the case "prove the manipulation of justice in Venezuela in order to silence critical reporting on the country's leadership."
Perez, a journalist of 40 years' experience, was found guilty of "slander and offence to a civil servant" following his article about alleged acts of nepotism by a mayor.
Sources: IFJ/The Guardian
