New protests over Nigerian journalists' arrests

International protests about the charging of two journalists in Nigeria with sedition for writing about the president's new plane are growing. (see my June 27 posting, Journalist arrested for Nigerian presidential plane story). Now two press freedom bodies - the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists have issued statements condemning the arrests of TV presenter Mike Gbenga Aruleba and the Daily Independent's aviation correspondent, Rotimi Durojaiye. "How can a country which portrays itself as a vibrant democracy bring a catch-all sedition charge against journalists trying to unearth facts on a matter of public interest?" said Ann Cooper, the CPJ's executive director. (Via IOL: West Africa)