Appeal court suspends prison sentences for two journalists sued by Gaddafi

Reporters Without Borders voiced relief at an Algiers appeal court's decision today to give two journalists suspended sentences of six months in prison and a fine of 50,000 dinars (50 euros) instead of the 12-month jail terms and fine of 500,000 dinars requested by the prosecutor. The appeal court also rejected the prosecutor's request for the newspaper to be suspended for a year. The ruling effectively concludes the libel suit brought last October against Ali Fodil, the editor of the Arabic-language daily Ech-Chourouk, and Naïla Berrahal, one of his journalists, by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi over reports published two months earlier which, it was alleged, “attacked his person, the Libyan state and the security of the Algerian and Libyan states.” “The sentences requested by the prosecutor were out of all proportion and unacceptable,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Nonetheless, even a suspended prison sentence is a serious press freedom violation. The sentences will always weigh on the two journalists and restrict their freedom of expression. We take this opportunity to call for the decriminalization of press offences.” The two journalists had referred the case to an appeal court after a lower court sentenced them to six months in prison. The prosecutor reacted by requesting even heavier sentences, prompting Reporters Without Borders to issue a release voicing outrage.