Has anyone been in Zimbabwe lately?

Don’t know about now, but about a year or so ago one of our reporters who was by chance with an AP photo stringer was locked up by the police because the photogrpaher took a shot of a massive food line, of which there were many. It only took us 12 hours to get our guy free but we did. I gather that the phtographer was still in the police station when our guy got out.

In the process we talked to the head of the “Press Commission” (or some such thing) who was a perfectly pleasant guy. But it was clear to me that Mugabe’s government has taken away the ability to be a free journalist.

BTW, at that time one could not enter the country as a journalist, including as a photojournalist, without a specific government permit. I seem to recall that there were some print journalists there masquerading as tourists, but that’s a little hard for a photographer with an SLR in hand to do.

hey feel free to contact my buddy farai…
hes living in portland oregon…but is in touch with folks on the ground…
will have many and all words you seek…
farai.marazi@gmail.com
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ethan.

Hi Ethan,

do you think your friend would mind being contacted by a complete stranger on the situation in Zimbabwe?

I’m looking into a doco idea there at the moment…

Tyler

I was there last year…it was rough then, but nothing like it is today. Much worse in the cities and the southern part of the country, i.e. MDC territories.

If you are seriously considering working there be very careful as the powder keg is rumbling right now.

The situation will protract itself as the run-off comes on…my guess is that we have yet to see how bad it can get….

Get in touch with your state department’s security officer to discuss the situation on the ground and evaluate from there, being white and perceived as British and a journalist is a rough combination.

I recommend coming in from J’burg and flying into Vic Falls…customs/immigration none existent (2007).

-M

wjdelange@webmail.co.za

A friend of mine has a close friend there…who may be the source for all your info.

Zim LS members? Washington Katema for instance…have you not contacted him?