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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
January 25, 1999

Zimbabwe: Arrest and Torture of Journalists

The United States government deplores the January 12-19th detention of Sunday Standard editor Mark Chavunduka by Zimbabwean military police and the subsequent torture of Mr. Chavunduka and reporter Ray Choto. We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to promptly investigate the circumstances of their detention and torture and bring to justice those responsible. Zimbabwe has institutions to safeguard the rule of law, including civilian control of the military and freedom of the press. Accordingly, we urge the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure the safety of the Sunday Standard publisher Clive Wilson and that of his associates.

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