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Nigerian publisher prosecuted
The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum have condemned the prosecution of Nigerian editor and publisher Mallam Tukur of the Desert Herald.
"We are seriously concerned that Mr Turkur was arrested because of his newspaper¹s reporting of a story involving a state governor," the organisations, which represent the world's press, said in a letter to Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua. "Mr Tukur has been arrested three times in the past year and is now reportedly in hiding."
Tukur, editor-in-chief and publisher of the weekly Desert Herald, was arrested on defamation charges and released on bail 9 February. Police prosecutors attempted to re-arrest him under new unspecified charges allegedly arising in a neighbouring state, only for lawyers to intervene.
Nigerian law prevents the transfer of a case between states.
WAN-IFRA called on President Yar'Adua to to ensure that the charges against Tukur are immediately dropped and that all intimidation of journalists is halted. WAN-IFRA also urged the president to ensure that "Nigeria fully decriminalises libel and replaces current legislation with a civil remedy of reasonable and appropriate damages."
