CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
SourcingMay 21, 2015
Charges against ‘Blood Diamonds’ journalist dropped
Rafael Marques de Morais no longer faces 24 counts of criminal libel but had to agree not to republish his 2011 book detailing abuses in Angola’s diamond fields.
All charges have been dropped against Rafael Marques de Morais, though the investigative journalist had to a make a few concessions in the settlement reached in his case Thursday. (Photo credit: Maka Angola)
Luanda, Angola--A tribunal in Angola has dropped the criminal libel charges against Rafael Marques de Morais, the Angolan journalist put on trial by the generals and companies he named in his book detailing corruption and human rights abuses in the country’s diamond industry.
The Luanda Provincial Tribunal dropped all 24 charges against him Thursday, a move that surprised many close to the case and spared the investigative journalist years behind bars and a fine totaling more than $1 million.
In exchange for dismissal of the charges, de Morais agreed not to republish his 2011 book, Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola, which detailed hundreds of cases of torture and killings allegedly carried out by guards of private security firm Teleservice and soldiers in the Angolan Armed Forces in the Lunda Norte province in northeastern Angola. He also publicly acknowledged that the generals might not have known the violations were occurring.
In exchange, de Morais has continued access to monitor the conditions in Lunda Norte, and the generals agreed to ensure human rights conditions in the region are improved.
De Morais could not be reached for comment by deadline.
Brian Leber of Leber Jeweler Inc. in Chicago, one of two companies in the jewelry industry that signed on to a statement asking the Angolan government to drop the charges against the journalist, said that he’s known de Morais for years and that they were pleased to hear that the charges have been dropped.
“It can be seen as a tacit acknowledgment that his reports of human rights abuses in the diamond fields of Angola have merit. This should strongly encourage the jewelry and diamond industry, who have largely remained mute throughout the entire trial, to seriously reflect on any role they may have played, either directly or indirectly, in the documented violence,” Leber said, adding that “In light of Rafael’s reporting, our industry needs to collectively admit the diamond trade has a long way to go before the phrase ‘conflict free’ truly lives up to its claims.”
The other jewelry company that signed that statement supporting de Morais was Tiffany & Co.
De Morais’s trial began in March but was pushed back twice, first to give his lawyers time to review additional charges brought against him on his first day in court.
It was delayed again as de Morais and the generals attempted to work out a settlement.
Throughout the trial, human rights groups worldwide have spoken out on de Morais’s behalf, claiming the charges brought against him were baseless and that the government in Angola--which is the current chair of the Kimberley Process--should not punish the journalist for doing his job. (The generals who brought the charges against de Morais in Angola tried to bring a similar case against him in Portugal, where the book was published. The attorney general there dismissed it, saying he felt that Blood Diamonds was well-researched and credible.)
Sarah Hager of Amnesty International called Thursday’s decision a “huge victory for human rights and freedom of expression in Angola.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
