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Journalists body condemns convictions

    JOHANNESBURG

    The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Wednesday wrote a protest letter to Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos objecting to the arrest and conviction of two journalists on charges of defaming the head of state and the attorney-general.

    The journalists, Rafael Marques and Aguiar dos Santos were found guilty after a trial conducted in near-secrecy. Marques was sentenced to six months imprisonment and fined equivalent of US $16,000. Dos Santos was jailed for two months and a fined the equivalent to US $6,000.

    The CPJ said in its letter: "The illegal prosecution of these journalists for their work casts serious doubts over Your Excellency's commitment to press freedom in Angola. CPJ therefore urges Your Excellency to ensure that
    the convictions of Aguiar dos Santos and Rafael Marques are immediately and unconditionally reversed, that Law 7/78 is repealed, and that all Angolan journalists may exercise their right to criticise government officials, Your Excellency included, without fear of reprisals."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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