IFJ Calls for Inquiry and International Action over Death of Journalist in Zimbabwe

29 July 2008

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for an immediate inquiry into the death of the 42 year old Northern Irish photojournalist Richard Mills who was found dead in his hotel room while on an undercover assignment covering the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Richard Mills, who had worked in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, was meant to leave Zimbabwe the day after he died.

The IFJ demands the international community, including South Africa which has played a key role in recent efforts to mediate for a peace deal between government and opposition in Harare, to support a full investigation over the death. The funeral of Richard Mills is taking place today.

The award winning journalist was on assignment for The Times. He was found dead in his hotel room on 14 July. According to the Zimbabwean authorities he died from asphyxiation due to hanging, but his family has serious reservations about any conclusion of suicide and is calling for a detailed and thorough investigation.

“The IFJ and the National Union of Journalists in Britain and Ireland share their concern over the need for a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death”, said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White. “We share the deep suspicion of Richard Mill’s family over the circumstances of the death of this gifted colleague. It casts a fresh shadow over the crisis for democracy in Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe has become the second most dangerous country for journalists in Africa after Somalia, says the IFJ.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2200/07

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide