Article 19, a recently-formed human rights body monitoring freedom of expression throughout the world, has called for the urgent release of New Nation editor Zwelakhe Sisulu.
Sisulu – recently appointed a member of the organisation's international board – is supposed to attend Article 19's crucial policy meeting in London in May. The organisation has been making urgent representations for his release since learning of his re-detention last month.
The organisation's London-based director, Professor Kevin Boyle, says the group is concerned by Sisulu's detention.
"Mr Sisulu was elected in recognition of his international reputation as a journalist," he said, "and we have made approaches to the South African authorities for his immediate release, as well as that of other journalists.
"We have had no response, but will step up our campaign. A total of six journalists are in detention under South African Emergency regulations, Article 19 is retaining the services of a lawyer at the Legal Resources Centre in Johannesburg to help secure Sisulu's release.
The chairman of Article 19 is celebrated British writer William Shawcross. The organisation derives its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media regardless of frontiers – Shaun Johnson.
This article originally appeared in the Weekly Mail.
