Russian editor on trial over critical articles

A newspaper editor is on trial in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan for running articles calling for the resignation of President Murtaza Rakhimov. Viktor Shmakov, editor of the Provintsialniye Vesti, faces up to five years in jail for publishing the pieces, written by an opposition leader, alleging corruption and human rights abuses. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists says the trial is "another disturbing example of the Russian authorities' use of the full force of criminal law to stifle critical reporting and opinion." (Via Moscow Times)