"We are writing on behalf of the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries, to express our serious concern at an attack on editor Harry Yansaneh and the temporary closure of six independent newspapers. According to reports, on 10 May family members of the parliamentary representative for the Tonkolili Central Constituency, Fatamata Hassan Komeh, were involved in an incident in which Mr Yansaneh, acting editor of the daily For Di People, was assaulted, allegedly for writing negative comments about the government. Two of Mrs Komeh's sons and three others reportedly entered the newspaper's offices and Mr Yansaneh was assaulted. They also chased other staff members out of the offices and damaged computers and other equipment."

Antiretroviral drug researchers, study sponsors and AIDS advocates in a meeting that began last week in Seattle reached some agreement but failed to resolve completely conflicts over the conduct of clinical trials testing whether the antiretroviral drug Viread, which is made by the pharmaceutical company Gilead, can prevent HIV infection among people in developing countries, the Wall Street Journal reports. At issue is whether researchers should provide lifelong antiretroviral treatment - not just a referral for care - to people who become HIV-positive while participating in the trials.

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI or the Institute) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.