Australian Network News

Journalists worried by ETimor defamation claim

Tue, 24 Mar 2009

East Timor's opposition spokesman says a criminal defamation action brought against an editor has made other journalists fearful of reporting on corruption.

Editor Jose Belo published allegations the justice minister, Lucia Lobato, had engaged in corrupt activities.

Jose Teixeira says Mr Belo faces time in jail if found guilty, and this is having an effect on young journalists in East Timor.

Mr Teixeira says: "I know there are some young journalists concerned about writing regarding allegations that they receive, or even asking questions.

"And they are getting also harassed (by) phone calls from senior ministers and others threatening them. "