Press freedom fears as Malaysia fines news site

A leading Malaysian news site was fined $120,000 yesterday over readers' comments that criticised the judiciary, sparking concerns about worsening press freedom and a flood of international condemnation.  Malaysiakini, a popular portal that has made a name for itself by reporting on the misdeeds of the ruling elite, and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan, were accused of contempt of court in a case brought by the attorney general. The case related to five readers' comments posted under an article that were critical of the judiciary, which authorities say had eroded public confidence in the courts. Following the ruling, the portal changed to black and white as a mark of protest and launched a fundraising drive to cover the fine. It has faced continual attacks since it was founded in 1999, ranging from police raids to criminal prosecutions, and has so far managed to survive every challenge. Human Rights Watch, US embassy in Kuala Lumpur expressed their concerns over the verdict.