The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Angolan journalist receives suspended sentence
A week after his case allegedly had been settled, a judge hit Rafael Marques de Morais with a 6-month sentence suspended for 2 years.
Luanda, Angola--The journalist who faced trial at the hands of those he implicated in his book about corruption and torture in the Angolan diamond industry received a suspended sentence last week.
A judge hit Rafael Marques de Morais with a six-month sentence suspended for two years, meaning he can be sent to prison for half a year at any time in the next two years.
The sentencing took place May 28, just one week after it was believed he had reached a settlement with the military generals and two mining companies that originally put him on trial for libel and criminal defamation. They agreed to drop the charges against de Morias and let him have continued access to the diamond fields as long as he agreed not to republish his book, Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola, and publicly acknowledge that the generals might not have known about the human rights abuses.
In spite of the agreement, public prosecutors called for the 43-year-old investigative journalist to receive jail time. De Morais told The Guardian that he was lied to by the generals, who wanted to avoid the embarrassment of a trial, and now has the threat of incarceration hanging over his head as he seeks to continue working as a journalist in Angola.
De Morais originally went on trial for his book in March, just days after receiving an award in London for his contributions to free speech as an investigative journalist.
Published in Portugal in 2011, the book detailed corruption in the diamond industry in Angola--which is the current vice chair of the Kimberley Process--as well as torture and killings allegedly carried out by security guards and Angolan soldiers in the diamond-rich Lunda Norte province.
He faced nine counts of libel but was slapped with an additional 15 counts of criminal defamation on his first day in court.
After two delays in the trial, De Morais reached a settlement on May 21 with the companies and generals that had brought the charges against him.
A number of organizations have spoken out about the journalist’s prosecution, including Amnesty International as well as Tiffany & Co. and Chicago independent Leber Jeweler. Both companies signed a statement calling on the Angolan government to drop its case against the journalist when his trial started.
Tiffany also was one of the signatories on a new letter calling
Amnesty International said the latest development in the de Morais case is politically motivated, designed to silence an activist and send a warning message to those who speak out against the government in Angola.
It is “a clear sign of abuse of the judiciary to intimidate those who dare to speak truth to power in Angola,” the organization said.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.