Woman journalist freed after being held for three months

By News on the Net —— Bio and Archives March 4, 2009

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HARARE, Zimbabwe, March 3, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Reporters Without Borders hails yesterday’s release of journalist and human rights activist Jestina Mukoko and urges the authorities to free freelance photographer Shadreck Manyere, who is still being held.

“Mukoko was unjustly held for three months in very disturbing conditions,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We are extremely relieved to know that she is free at last, but her ordeal will not be fully over until the authorities drop the charges against her. Her release, just a few weeks after the formation of a national unity government with the opposition, will hopefully be the starting point of a new government attitude of respect for free expression.” Mukoko was freed on payment of 600 US dollars (476 euros) in bail and her passport was returned to her. “It is good to be free but being detained was an ordeal and I must look after my health,” she said, adding that she would talk to the media later. More...