Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, founder of El Periodico newspaper, was released from jail after nearly two years on money laundering charges. His conviction was overturned, and a new trial was ordered. Press freedom groups criticized his prosecution as politically motivated.
Key Points
Jose Ruben Zamora was the founder of El Periodico newspaper in Guatemala.
He was sentenced to six years in prison for alleged money laundering but was released on a conditional basis.
The charges stemmed from a $38,000 donation to keep the newspaper going.
Pros
Journalist Jose Ruben Zamora was released from jail after nearly two years.
His conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered.
He was not considered a flight risk or a threat to the investigation.
Cons
Zamora had been kept in jail for nearly two years before being released.
The charges against him were related to alleged money laundering.
Press freedom groups criticized the prosecution as politically motivated.