Editor convicted of libel

The editor of a Congolese satirical weekly critical of President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been convicted of libel and jailed for six months. A report on the News24 site notes that Raymond Malonga was also ordered to pay a fine of 45 000 euros. Malonga, editor of Sel-Piment, was found guilty of libelling the wife of a close aide to Sassou Nguesso by accusing her of diverting funds from state coffers. His online weekly, known for stories critical of the government, was suspended early this year by the authorities.