UK journalists in Zimbabwe arrest

President Mugabe introduced strict media laws three years ago

Two British journalists have been arrested in Zimbabwe on charges of covering the country's election without state accreditation, police have said.

Toby John Harnden, 37, and Julian Paul Simmonds, 46, of the Sunday Telegraph were reportedly held while travelling with an opposition candidate.

The offence may incur a fine and up to two years in jail, said assistant police commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena.

In a statement, the newspaper said it was trying to secure the men's release.

'Concern for welfare'

"The Sunday Telegraph has had no communication from either of the journalists for several hours, nor from the Zimbabwean authorities," it said in the statement on Thursday evening.

"The paper is obviously concerned for their welfare and is endeavouring to secure their release."

The UK Foreign Office said police in Harare had confirmed the arrest of two UK journalists who were in Zimbabwe following the elections.

"We understand they have legal representation and we stand ready to offer consular assistance if required," a spokesman said.

International criticism

Mr Harnden, the paper's chief foreign correspondent, and Mr Simmonds, a photographer, were arrested at 1300 BST on Thursday, the Sunday Telegraph said.

They were at a polling station in a primary school near Norton, south of Harare.

Mr Bvudzijena told Reuters: "They came into the country as tourists, through Zambia, and they are being charged... for practising as journalists without accreditation."

Zimbabwe has arrested or deported dozens of journalists and denied others entry under media laws adopted by President Mugabe's government three years ago in the face of severe international criticism.

According to government officials, more than 200 journalists have been accredited to cover the elections but others have had their applications rejected.