Freedom of expression under attack -- jailed journalist

(newsroompanama.com) The latest Panamanian journalist sentenced to jail has warned that the courts are waging war against journalists.

Medcom staffer Rafael Antonio Ruiz, was convicted by the Second High Court to 18 months in prison for the crime of libel.

The purpose of these actions, he said is to "intimidate and silence us” and urged journalists  to be alert as the government seeks to impair the role of mass media, "which is to report."

A group of journalists has called for a demonstration next Wednesday, Oct. 20 on Calle 50.

Ruiz told the Telemetro Reporta news program that the protest is not a journalists’ fight alone, rather an action in defense of freedom of expression for the entire Panamanian population, which is part of democracy.

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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com
Date Retrieved : October 17, 2010.