Journalists Charged

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30144, 30 May 1963, Page 6

Journalists Charged

«(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) JOHANNESBURG. May 28. Six white journalists charged with contravening the Prisons Act were remanded until June 21 by a Johannesburg Court today. The journalists were arrested at Marshall square police station yesterday after reporting a demonstration against the recently enacted “no trial” law. At today’s hearing they were remanded on bail in their own recognisance. No evidence was given and no plea was taken. Those charged were: Barry von Below, chief photographer of the “Star,” Johannesburg; Charles Chamjon, a British Commonwealth International Newsfilm Agency photographer; Desmond Craig, a “Star” reporter; Struan Robertson, a Rand “Daily Mail” photographer; Dan Piennaar, a United Press International reporter, and Ernie Christie, a U.P.I. cameraman.

Mr Kelso Stuart, counsel for four of the men, said that last night the South African Broadcasting Corporation had quoted a senior police spokesman’s statement on the incident. He said portions of that statement were a “grave contempt of Court.” Mr Stuart said one passage read: “The police spokesman said there were indications that the whole incident had been staged." “This,” he said, “appears to be contempt of Court and an attempt to conduct a trial by radio.”