An Indian court has acquitted Flemish photojournalist Simon Clément on all charges. The news was first reported by media outlet Apache and later confirmed by Clément. ‘I hope to be able to go home by the end of this week. The whole trial was intended to intimidate me as a journalist. I will not be deterred.’
The Ghent photo journalist was arrested in India on 5 March while returning from Myanmar, where he was on an assignment. Indian customs noticed that he was not carrying a journalist’s visa as well as an entry/exit visa. These are offences for which normally only fines are issued. The biggest problem, however, was Clément's luggage.
The photojournalist had an empty bullet casing from the rebel area in his luggage that he had kept as a souvenir. That set alarm bells ringing. The area also harbours people who oppose the Indian authorities. Clément was arrested and had to spend two weeks in jail.
Since the end of March, he has been free on bail. Clément had to stay in India until the verdict. The investigation dragged on for weeks. ‘I am in good health, but it is starting to weigh on me,’ Clément said earlier. He is now relieved and wants to go home as soon as possible.
Allegations of intimidation
‘It quickly became clear that the allegations with regard to the bullet casing would not hold up in court,’ says Apache journalist Paul Gebruers, who has kept in close contact with Clément. ‘The intention was to get information on the people I had spoken to,’ says Clément. ‘At one point I was questioned by 19 people all at once. This was definitely intimidation.’
‘The visa story was more complicated, India recently having introduced a special law. Among other things, the area where Clément was operating requires additional permission. His lawyer was able to show that this law was only introduced after Simon's trip.
Press freedom under pressure
Clément will say more about his time in India when he returns. ‘Surely the whole legal system here in India is special. In prison, I talked to people who have been detained for weeks without an indictment’.
‘I am going to continue my work. This is very important. I don't regret this trip for a moment,’ he says firmly. ‘I am considering seeking compensation. I am now looking forward to seeing my family and friends. And also to not having to eat rice for once. I do fancy a nice pack of chips,’ Clément concludes.