A Democratic Republic of Congo journalist arrested more than five months ago on defamation charges has been freed, non-governmental organisation Journalists in Danger (JED) said on Thursday. Freddy Loseke, editor of “Free Africa” publication, was freed on Tuesday after being arrested in April, JED said in a statement. He was charged following complaints by the pastor of an independent church and the Belgian owner of an aviation company about an article he published regarding their affairs. A Kinshasa-Gombe court sentenced him to 12 months in prison for defamation and another five months, three months of which were suspended, for publishing “damaging statements”. His release was effected through the personal intervention of Justice Minister Ndele Masudi, JED said. It added that Loseke was in weak physical condition and suffering from typhoid and malaria when he was released. – AFP