Russian editor charged with libel

Sergei Mikhailov , the editor of a Russian newspaper, Listok , has been charged with defamation after calling the administration of the Altai republic a "nest of vipers" and referring to its governor as an "alcoholic". If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison and a large fine. Supporters of the journalist say the case is politically motivated because the offending statements appeared in articles published a year ago, and were ignored. Since then however, Mikhailov has been elected as an independent deputy to Altai's legislature. Sources: Moscow Times / Index on Censorship