Simon Clément, a freelance photojournalist from the East Flemish city of Ghent that was arrested in India last Thursday, is expected to be released on bail this later this week. The press agency Belga has learned from several sources close to the to Simon Clément that he is to be granted bail.
Once released on bail, the photojournalist will have to remain in India until his case is heard. This could be as soon as within a month. The bail conditions are still unclear. A local judge reportedly issued a what amounts to an interim ruling on Tuesday. This provides a legal basis for bail to be granted without specifying the amount of bail that has to be paid or when payment will be required. More clarity is expected later this week.
The Indian authorities suspect that Simon Clément crossed the border into Myanmar illegally. He was also in possession of an empty bullet casing, which he claims he has as a souvenir. The authorities in India are on high alert in areas close to the border with Myanmar as Indian insurgents are known to be hiding across the border. The situation in the region is unstable and there are many armed groups active there.
The photojournalist was reportedly charged with having crossed the border illegally and possessing an empty bullet casing. He is expected to be fined for crossing the border without a visa. According to the Apache Media, for whom Simon Clément sometimes works, the real reason for his arrest is alleged arms trafficking. "This leaves open the possibility of questioning him at length about his activities in Burma’' explain the sources interviewed.
Fortunately for the Belgian, the Indian Arms Act makes an exception for bullet casings. The Federal Foreign Ministry is refraining from comment on the case, only saying it is aware of Simon Clément’s arrest and that it is following the case closely via the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi. The Belgian is reported to be in good health.