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. -News for Sun. 31 March & Mon. 01 April 2002


Zimbabwe Journalist Freed After Court Order

VOA News
1 Apr 2002 16:34 UTC
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Zimbabwe police acting on a court order have released a journalist held in jail for five days under the nation's new security laws. 

Peta Thornycroft, who works for London's Daily Telegraph newspaper and the Voice of America, was arrested Wednesday on charges of publishing false information and inciting violence. 

Zimbabwe's high court ordered her release, saying there was no basis for the charges. 

The British-born, Zimbabwean citizen and South African resident was arrested in the eastern Zimbabwean town of Chimanimani as she prepared to report on allegations of government-sponsored violence against opposition activists. 

Press freedom groups, as well as the Telegraph and VOA, denounced her arrest. 

In a further sign the government intends to tighten its grip, President Robert Mugabe said Sunday no nonsense will be tolerated. 

The Herald newspaper quotes the president as saying his opponents think the government will continue to be soft, but, in his words, that is finished. Mr. Mugabe said there will be a very firm government. 

The president was re-elected last month in a vote condemned by independent observers as flawed. On Sunday, he once again dismissed calls for a new election. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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