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Alert

Female reporter who witnessed police violence released after several hours in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporter Rutendo Mawere of the privately-owned weekly "The Standard", who was arrested on 21 August 2008 in Gweru (in Midlands province), 280 km southwest of Harare, was released a few hours later without being charged. Mawere was arrested while watching police beat residents who had been queuing outside a shop for basic staples.

"As the search for a negotiated solution to the political crisis continues, journalists are still being subjected to police brutality, arbitrary arrest and constant intimidation," Reporters Without Borders said. "Trying to hide the destitution of the population by arresting witnesses is shameful."

The arrest comes two weeks after freelance photographer Tsvangirai Mukwazhi fled Zimbabwe with his family after being attacked and beaten at his home on 29 July by the Harare police, who accused him of owning an improperly registered car. The police still have his vehicle. Mukwazhi and his family have found refuge abroad.