Daily Monitor journalist’s bond extended

Criminal Investigations Department yesterday extended the Police bond of Monitor Publications reporter Angelo Izama to tomorrow. Mr Izama is facing charges of criminal defamation over a story titled, Preparing for 2011 elections by arming troops, that was published in Sunday Monitor two weeks ago.

Accompanied by fellow journalists, he reported to Jinja Road Police Station without his attorney. Detectives claimed they had so many cases they were handling that couldn’t allow them handle Mr Izama’s. Mr Izama said he recorded a charge and caution statement on criminal liable offence, which means he has a case to answer.

Defame government
The story which was a summary of ideas of different political thinkers is alleged to have included statements that defame the government and in particular the President. “Two weeks ago politicians were discussing their fear for the forthcoming elections and I put down their views on paper. Some special people say I could have defamed the head of state although the discussion tackled several presidents” he said.

He added: “We do not why some writers as well, like in some of the tabloids we know, are not summoned.” Last week, he reported to Police with his lawyers where a charge and caution statement was recorded against him. Monitor Publications Lawyer James Nangwala said Police would prosecute him in case the DPP sanctioned the charges.

President Museveni complained about the story, saying it would scare away investors.