International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
29 April 2009
Alert
Journalist El Malick Seck pardoned
Incident details
El Malick Seck journalist(s) releasedMedia Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) correspondent reported that Seck was released following a presidential pardon signed the same day.
On 27 August 2008, Seck published an article in "24 Heures Chrono" which linked President Wade and his son Abdul Karim Wade to an alleged money laundering case.
On 28 September 2008, Seck was found guilty of publishing false news, insulting a head of state, public slander and acts with intention to disrupt public order. He was subsequently sentenced to a three-year prison term.
On 23 February 2009, an appeal by Seck's lawyers was denied and the sentence was upheld.
MFWA commends President Abdoulaye Wade for the pardon and encourages other African heads of state to emulate this gesture, especially, in situations where journalists are convicted or fined for merely carrying out their legitimate duty of informing the public.
Updates the Seck case: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/101207
Source:
Media Foundation for West Africa
PO Box LG 730
30 Duade Street, Kokomlemle
Legon, Accra
Ghana
alerts (@) mediafound.org
Phone: +233 302 242470
Fax: +233 302 221084
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