Sanef condemns the heavy-handed approach of the Namibian police who today arrested a South African photographer for the second time in a week. The forum believes citizens have a right to privacy, however journalists also have a right to be able to do their jobs without unfair hindrance or intimidation.

John Liebenberg was arrested this afternoon (Wednesday) while he and other photographers were trying to take pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the Tiger Reef Bar in Swakopmund. He was taken the Swakopmund police station.

Esmare Weideman, editor of Huisgenoot and YOU magazines, for which Liebenberg is working, today said it was not clear on what grounds John had been arrested this time as he was not trespassing. "Our information is that he was on municipal land some way off from the restaurant. He was not on private property. We are baffled as to what charges they are going to bring against him this time."

John was arrested on Friday May 19 and held in police custody until Monday May 22 when he was charged with trespassing. He pleaded guilty. The magistrate released him on warning and commented that he could not understand why he had been held for the entire weekend.

Weideman said police had been "acting like Brad and Angelina's personal bodyguards" ever since the couple arrived in Namibia. "We do respect the privacy of celebrities, but we don't believe their privacy had been invaded in any way. The photographers were not even close to the restaurant," Weideman said.

Contact:
Esmare Weideman 083 455 4730