The Hindu : International : British journalists acquitted

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Saturday, Apr 16, 2005

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International

British journalists acquitted

NORTON (ZIMBABWE): A Zimbabwean court on Friday acquitted two British journalists from the Sunday Telegraph newspaper of breaching immigration laws, a day after clearing them of covering last month's parliamentary elections without accreditation.

The Magistrate, Never Diza, said the charge that chief foreign correspondent Toby Harnden (37) and photographer Julian Simmonds (46) had overstayed a seven-day permit was left ``hanging and unexplained.

" It cannot be said the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused therefore get the benefit of the doubt and I find them not guilty and I acquit them.''

Mr. Harnden and Mr. Simmonds were arrested on March 31 at a polling station in Norton, 40 km west of Harare, as Zimbabweans cast ballots to elect a new Parliament. They were accused of working without accreditation. — AP

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