"A Paraguayan court acquitted journalist Juan Carlos Lezcano and the director of ABC Color, Natalia Zuccolillo, of guilt and reproach. The former vice-minister of taxation of that country, Marta González Ayala, had sued them for alleged defamation because she felt affected by the news outlet's publications.
'The typical elements for slander and defamation are not present. There is no fact against the truth, the punishable acts against the accused journalist have not been proven,' Judge Juan Carlos Zarate said on Mon., Sept. 5.
Journalist Juan Carlos Lezcano said that a clear message was sent that violations of freedom of expression will not be tolerated, and that this is a battle won because the slander and defamation accusations could not be proven."
