Foreign journalists arrested for filming seal cull

A BRITISH and a South African journalist were arrested on Thursday morning while busy with undercover filming of Namibia’s annual seal cull at Cape Cross.

According to Erongo’s Chief Crime Investigation Co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Charles Sibolile, British investigative journalist Jim Wickens and South African film-maker Bart Smithers were arrested yesterday under the Namibian Marine Resources Act.’The Cape Cross area is closed during the culling season and any entry is prohibited unless the Minister of Fisheries gives permission,’ Sibolile told The Namibian.The two foreign journalists might however also face charges for not applying for permission to film at the Namibia Film Commission and for allegedly entering Namibia with a tourism visa and for having failed to apply for accreditation at the Ministry of Information. ‘These people did not approach the Namibian Film Commission for permission to film and unless they obtained temporary work permits through another source, they have been illegally filming or working in the country,’ Wilma Deetlefs, Director in the Ministry told The Namibian. ‘These people will now have to answer to charges against them and it appears as if the Namibia Film Commission will also lay a charge that they were filming in the country without permission.’The two journalists are being held at the Henties Bay Police Station.By late yesterday afternoon it was not clear whether the two journalists would appear in the Swakopmund Magistrates’ Court today.According to State Prosecutor Hermiena Appolus, she was aware of the case but had not received a charge docket by late yesterday and could therefore not give further details.’We first have to see whether this is a case, and if so, the men could appear in court by tomorrow (Friday),’ she said.It was also reported by South African animal rights group, Seal Alert, that Smithers and Wickens were allegedly severely assaulted by seal clubbers, before their camera equipment was confiscated and they were arrested.Sibolile said the assault was apparently a case of one of the journalists being slapped across the face by one of the clubbers.’There was no severe injury in this case and the journalist did lay a charge of assault against the clubber. He (clubber) has not been arrested yet though,’ he said.The British High Commission in Namibia has apparently demanded the immediate release of the two men. A source at the British High Commission confirmed to The Namibian that reports of the incident had been received and were being investigated. At the time of their arrest and alleged assault, the two men were on an assignment for British environmental group Ecostorm. “We are at present working with the British High Commission in Namibia to establish the full picture and secure the release of our team. Clearly this was a violent and unwarranted attack on two journalists doing their job – gathering information and pictures of the highly secretive Namibian seal hunt,’ Andrew Wasley, co-director of Ecostorm, was reported as saying. ‘As well as calling for the immediate release of Jim Wickens and Bart Smithers, we want the Namibian authorities to investigate the assaults and theft of equipment.’Wasley said the two journalists have told him that the alleged assault was more than ‘just a slap’ and that they were in fact beaten with fists and clubs.’They did not need hospitalisation, but they apparently do have cuts and bruises,’ he said.Asked if the men had permits to be in the area, Wasley said he did not know as he was not directly involved with their assignment.He said the British High Commission had made contact with the men at Henties Bay and would assist them during the legal proceedings.’I understand that if they are charged, they will have to remain in Namibia, but will probably get bail,’ he said.The incident comes at a time when international pressure is being exerted on Namibia to stop its annual seal cull.adam@namibian.com.na