News In Brief

Tough press law adopted by the Nigerian military

Nigeria's military government published a tough new press law Tuesday. An individual found guilty under the new law will be liable to a maximum jail sentence of two years. Publishing organizations could face minimum fines of $13, 000, and the government will be empowered to close newspapers or radio stations for 12 months if they are believed to be ''detrimental to the interest of the federation.''

Trial will be by special tribunal, presided over by a Supreme Court judge who will have three senior military officers on his panel. The onus of proof is on the person charged with publishing a false report or any story that brings government officials into ridicule or disrepute. The tribunal's decision will be final.

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