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Reuters photographer released
08/05/2008 21:38 - (SA)
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.
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