Journalists jailed in Niger over diplomacy story

Two journalists have been sentenced to 18 months in prison for "publishing false information" and "defaming the state of Niger". A court in Niamey also fined Mamane Abou, publication director, and Oumarou Keita, managing editor of the weekly Le Republicain, 5m CFA Francs (about £5,000). The men, who refused to recognise the court after their counsel walked out after declaring the judge to be prejudiced, have launched an appeal which is due to be heard next Monday. The charges relate to a July story in Le Republicain which suggested that the Niger government was strengthening diplomatic relations with Iran and Venezuela to the neglect of western countries. (Via AllAfrica.com)