Chavez Critic Surrenders After Being Convicted
From Times Wire Reports
A journalist critical of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez surrendered to authorities after a judge ordered her jailed for defamation in what her supporters branded as persecution.
Ibeyise Pacheco, a columnist for El Nacional newspaper convicted of defaming a military officer, faces a nine-month sentence.
Chavez has accused media owners of trying to oust him, while Washington and press watchdogs say he has used draconian laws to stifle freedom of expression.
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