The Angola Supreme Court said Friday it had slapped suspended prison sentences on three journalists for defamation earlier this year.
Two journalists were convicted of insulting President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, while a third was found guilty of defamation of an aide to the president, the court said.
Rafael Marques, known for his human rights activism, was given a six month suspended sentence and fined 30,000 kwanzas (20,000 dollars, 16,400 euros) last March.
At the same time, the publisher of the weekly Agora, Aguiar dos Santos, received a two-month suspended prison sentence and a 20,000 kwanzas fine (13,350 dollars, 11,000 euros).
The correspondent of the Portuguese weekly Expresso, Gustavo Costa, was given an eight month suspended sentence and fined 26,000 kwanzas (17,350 dollars, 14,200 euros).
According to Angolan law, the sentences would only take effect if new defamation charges were brought against the journalists.
In February, the European parliament denounced Angola for its harsh treatment of media who were critical of the government after a journalist was detained for 45 days without trial -- LUANDA (AFP)
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