Writer jailed for defaming Kurdish leader in Iraq

[sabra]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1769409

Writer jailed for defaming Kurdish leader in Iraq

ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - A Kurdish writer was sentenced to 1-1/2 years in prison on Sunday for defaming Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, in a case that has raised questions about the freedom of the press in postwar Iraq.

Kamal Karim, an Iraqi-born Kurd with Austrian citizenship, was originally sentenced to 30 years in jail for defaming Barzani but was retried.

"I swear by God I am not guilty. I am not satisfied with this verdict. I am a victim," Karim said after the sentence was pronounced.

The judge said the court had been lenient.

"This sentence is fair and it is proportionate to the charges against him," Faridoun Abdullah told Reuters.

[LynnTheDem]

1. Thank BUSH for this deMOCKracy!

Way to go, bush!

WORSE than Saddam Hussein!

Stupid MFer.

[951-Riverside]

2. Executing Christians & Jailing Reporters

...oh yeah freedom on the march.

[killerbush]

3. Qubad Talabani was on Blitzer

And said the guy will be released.

[daleo]

4. Let freedom reign. n/t