2 Mexicans deny terrorism, face 30 years for tweet

MEXICO CITY -- Think before you tweet.

A former teacher turned radio commentator and a math tutor are imprisoned in southern Mexico, facing possible 30-year sentences for terrorism and sabotage for relaying false reports of an attack on schools. It may be the most serious set of charges ever brought against anyone using a Twitter social network account.

Prosecutors say the defendants helped cause car crashes, panic and overloaded emergency phone circuits as parents in the Gulf Coast city of Veracruz rushed to save their children.

Defenders say the charges are excessive at best. They say rumors spread because the government cannot prevent drug violence and does not adequately inform citizens about it.