[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Xiomeran journalists charged with attempted arson over embassy attack
22nd August 2019

Two Xiomeran journalists, Tlixō and Xōne, were arrested and charged with attempted arson on Wednesday over an attack on the Xiomeran embassy which took place on the 8th August. The two Xiomerans are accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the front door of the embassy, and a brick through the window. They were arrested at Buttercity International Airport while attempting to board a flight out of the country.

The two journalists are wanted by Xiomera for running a pirate media outlet critical of the Xiomeran government, and for treason. Lauchenoiria earlier rejected a request by Xiomera for the extradition of the two journalists, on the grounds that the warrants submitted did not meet the requirement for extradition to a country with the death penalty. Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía has also alleged that the Lauchenoirian government considered the charges against the journalists to be political.

It has been reported that the two journalists had boarded a flight to Xiomera when they were taken off the aircraft before departure and detained. It is thought that they were attempting to return due to the Xiomerans having arrested family members and friends of all Huenyan News Network (HNN) journalists operating outside of Xiomera – including the two in Lauchenoiria, and others in Laeral and Zamastan.

Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía is set to meet with Xiomeran Ambassador to Lauchenoiria Chēmā this evening to discuss the situation. It is expected that the ambassador will ask Lauchenoiria to return the two journalists, however it is unlikely that their request will be honoured. Following the extradition of Shuellian national Peter Bloch and the death of Kerlian Jasmine Eddington in a plane crash on her way to Sanctaria, it is unlikely the Lauchenoirian government will be willing to extradite any more individuals, especially in controversial cases.

The two Xiomerans are expected to face trial for attempted arson in a Lauchenoirian court, which can lead to up to 10 years in prison. A date for the trial has not been set, however this is expected to be announced in the coming days.