Reuters photographer released
2008-05-08 21:38
Special Report
Zimbabwean prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai says there has been progress in talks between the country's two political parties.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he doesn't expect the US sanctions on his country to be lifted soon.
Johannesburg - A Reuters photographer detained for three days in Zimbabwe for allegedly using a satellite phone to send pictures was released on bail on
Thursday.
Howard Burditt, a Zimbabwean national who was covering the
aftermath of the country's elections, had been held in jail
since Monday.
David Schlesinger, Reuters Editor-in-Chief, said: "I am
extremely relieved that Howard has been released but disturbed
that he should have been held in jail for so long on such a
charge."
Reuters had earlier called for Burditt's immediate release.
"As part of its pan-African news operations, Reuters has
long had a legitimate and fully accredited bureau in Harare, and
has always complied with Zimbabwean regulations with the aim of
accurately reporting the news," a company statement said.
Satellite phone must be registered
Zimbabwean authorities say it is illegal to use a satellite
phone unless it has been registered.
Tension has risen in Zimbabwe since elections on March 29,
in which the ruling Zanu-PF party lost its parliamentary
majority for the first time since independence in 1980.
Official results released last week showed that opposition
leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe in a
parallel presidential vote, but not by the outright majority
needed to avoid a run-off.
Tsvangirai says the outcome was rigged and has yet to say if
he would contest a second round. The date for this contest has
not been announced.
- Reuters