Malian Journalist Sentenced to Three Years Over Kidal Comments

Abdrahamane Keïta, editor of Le Témoin, was sentenced in Mali to three years in prison, with two years to be served and one suspended. The case followed televised comments about the security situation in Kidal, northern Mali. Authorities convicted him of publishing information considered false and harmful to national unity and state’s credibility. Keïta was ordered to pay one million CFA francs in damages. The verdict has renewed concerns over press freedom and journalists’ ability to report on security issues