Puerto Rico criticised over press freedom

A group which monitors freedom of the press in Latin America -- the Interamerican Press Association -- has criticised the government of the United States territory of Puerto Rico.

After a visit to the Caribbean island, the association said it was concerned by the decision of the authorities to stop advertising in a leading local newspaper The group pointed out that it was widely suspected that the decision was taken to punish the paper for articles it carried which were critical of the government.

The authorities maintain that the withdrawal of advertising and the newspaper's editorial line are not linked.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service