Leading Gambian editor shot dead
One of The Gambia's leading journalists was shot dead as he drove home from
work shortly after midnight.
Deyda Hydara, 58, editor of The Point newspaper and correspondent for the
AFP news agency was shot three times in the head, his colleague said.

He was sharply critical of a tough new press law which was passed this
week.

The private media has complained that the government is trying to muzzle
it. In April, the printing press of another paper were burnt down.

The Independent accused state security agents of being behind the attack -
a charge denied by the authorities.

The police say they have opened an investigation into the killing, in which
two women travelling in Mr Hydara's car were also injured.

"He has been very critical of the government and very vocal in opposition
to these repressive laws but that does not mean that he, of all people,
should have been the target of an assassin's bullet," said the head of the
Gambian Press Union, Demba Ali Diao.

The law was passed on Tuesday. It provides for jail terms for those found
guilty of libel or sedition and the seizure of the homes of the editors of
libellous newspapers.

The government said the law was needed to make journalists more
responsible.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/4104979.stm

Published: 2004/12/17 13:09:47 GMT

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