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To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), [email protected]

IFJ Media release
16 May 2003

IFJ Condemns Deportation as Low Point in Mugabe Campaign Against Press

The International Federation of Journalists today described the decision by
Zimbabwe to deport Andrew Meldrum, veteran Africa correspondent, as a low point
in the continuing struggle for press freedom in the country. "The twilight world
of independent journalism has been rendered dark by this malicious and spiteful
act from the regime of Robert Mugabe," said Aidan White, General Secretary of
the IFJ.

The IFJ says that the deportation of Meldrum, the Guardian correspondent who has
lived in Zimbabwe for the last 23 years, will be vigorously condemned by
journalists and press freedom groups worldwide. "This is another blatant attempt
to penalize dissent, stifle criticism, and undermine those who are fighting for
democracy and human rights," said White.

Meldrum's deportation came despite attempts by lawyers and senior Guardian
executives to plead with the authorities to allow him to carry on working.
Today, Meldrum was told by immigration officials that he was being deported and
was taken straight to the airport. Meldrum, who is a US citizen has been
harassed for more than a year and was one of the first journalists to be
prosecuted under draconian media law which was struck down by the Supreme Court
last week. Meldrum had been acquitted on allegations that he had published false
information about Zimbabwe, but he suffered continual harassment leading, in the
end to today's deportation order.

Further information: + 32 2 235 22 00
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries

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