The Freedom of Expression Institute wishes to add its voice to those condemning the arrest and detention of South African photographer Obed Zilwa. Although we understand that he will appear in court either today or tomorrow, we are calling for his immediate release because we believe his detention is a just a further ploy to silence the press and more specifically the foreign press.

FXI has noted with concern the violent turn of events in Zimbabwe and has been particularly distressed by the disrespect shown to the media during this time. South African journalists covering the farm invasions, have been harassed, barricaded and their vehicles attacked. At no stage has the Zimbabwean government or the police intervened to ensure their safety.

For some time before the current events unfolded, the Zimbabwean government has suppressed freedom of expression. The government has made a point of blaming all its ills on the press, arrested and tortured journalists from the independent press, condoned the government press' disregard for the principles of objective journalism, and kept tight control over the only broadcasting vehicle in the country by using it as a party vehicle to promote Zanu-PF.

It is therefore not surprising that the press, and more specifically the foreign press, have become the government's scapegoat. When the government is not laying blame at the door of the opposition and other parties, it is laying it on press.

In addition to stymying the press, government has by either fermenting the violence or not acting against it, taken away the rights of association, demonstration and the right to express one's political allegiance. People have died because of their political allegiance and are now too terrified to wear anything showing which political party they support. These are bad omens indeed before an election.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: MANDLA SELEOANE, CHAIRPERSON 083 602 5507 RAYMOND LOUW, VICE-CHAIRPERSON 082 446 5155 LAURA POLLECUTT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 083 604 1073

ISSUED 27 APRIL 2000