Accused journalist pardoned [Archives:2005/907/Local News]

SANA'A, Dec. 25 ) Mr. Mohammed Abdu Saeed, member of the Parliament, said he has forgiven Mr. Abdul-Wadood Al-Matari, editor-in chief of Al-Rased newspaper. In a statement to the Yemen Times, Mr. Mohammed Abdu Saeed Anam said he has forgiven Mr. Al-Matari and will support him.

The Capital Western Court issued on December 10 a verdict against Al-Rasd weekly newspaper. Its Editor-in-Chief Mr. Abdul-Wadood Al-Matari was sentenced to two-month suspended imprisonment. The paper and its editor were accused of insulting Mr. Mohamed Abdu Sa'eed, a Member of Parliament and head of the well-known Hayel Saeed business group.

On the other hand, the General Secretarial of the Yemen Writers Union expressed grave concern about Mr. Abdul-Wadood Al-Matari, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rased newspaper.

The General Secretarial of the Yemen Writers Union condemns any act of aggression against journalists who show their opinions. The law guarantees protecting journalists from abusive treatments. The government and Ministry of Human Rights should protect all kinds of freedom and stand against any aggression against civil freedom, said the General Secretarial.
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