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Alert

British journalist Jonathan Clayton fined and deported after spending one week in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - British journalist Jonathan Clayton, a correspondent for "The Times" of London, was deported to South Africa after being sentenced on 16 April 2008 by a court in Bulawayo to a 20 billion Zimbabwean dollar fine (approx. 150 euros) or six months in prison for making false statements to immigration officials when he arrived in Bulawayo on a flight from South Africa on 9 April.

Presiding judge Phathekile Msipa said that, when questioned by immigration officials at the airport, Clayton vehemently denied being linked to any news media. Clayton, who appeared in court in leg irons and wearing a prisoner's uniform, pleaded not guilty. His passport and personal effects were returned to him and he was put on the first flight to Johannesburg.