PUBLICAI Index: AFR 46/07/99

9 February 1999

Further information on EXTRA 16/99 (AFR 46/06/99, 8 February 1999) - Fear of torture

ZIMBABWEGrace Kwinjeh] Journalist

Dr Ibbo Mandaza] Publisher Zimbabwe Mirror Newspaper

Grace Kwinjeh and Dr Ibbo Mandaza were released from detention on 9 February 1999.

The two journalists were released on $5,000 (Zimbabwe dollars) bail after appearing in Harare Magistrate’s Court on charges of publishing a false report “likely to cause fear, alarm or despondency among the public”. They must now report to police on a weekly basis until their next court appearance on 1 March.

Neither journalist was reportedly ill-treated in custody. Their lawyer was allowed to bring them both food and medicine for Dr Ibbo Mandaza, who has a lung illness and who was also given a heater for his cell.

Grace Kwinjeh and Dr Ibbo Mandaza were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 8 February.

No further action is required. Thank you to all who wrote appeals on their behalf.