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Zimbabwe Journalist Recognized for Courage and Determination

The 2008 Mohamed Amin Award, supported by Thomson Reuters, is awarded to Mike Saburi, a freelance journalist who demonstrates commitment, bravery and dedication on a daily basis under harrowing conditions and extraordinary pressure in Zimbabwe

The Mohamed Amin Award was established in 1997 in honour of the late Mohamed Amin, the legendary African cameraman who was killed in an airline hijacking in 1996. The award recognises outstanding contributions to TV news made by individuals or groups who may not have a high profile or attract extensive publicity. Hosted annually by the NewsXchange Conference, the announcement of the 2008 winner was made today in Valencia during the opening day of NewsXchange 2008.

Saburi was born in 1975 in Mutare and educated in Bulawayo. At an early age, he showed a passion for journalism, and learnt the basics of video journalism in 1997, filming conferences in Zimbabwe, and attending short courses to supplement his experience. In 2000 he began working as a soundman for a production company based in Harare and became a freelance cameraman in 2003.

From his first days on the job, Saburi has been subjected to extremely difficult working conditions. In September 2006 he was assaulted and arrested while filming a trade union march in Harare, was imprisoned for three days, and eventually acquitted after legal intervention by lawyers hired on his behalf.

This did not dampen his enthusiasm or hunger for the story. In March 2007, he was forced into hiding at a secret location for fear of persecution from the Zimbabwean secret police after his images of the main opposition leader in court were seen around the world. Saburi was well aware that his job could cost him his life. The day after his release from prison, another cameraman was found murdered, accused of selling footage to 'hostile western broadcasters'.

Christoph Pleitgen, Global Head of Reuters News Agency said: "For his bravery, commitment, perseverance and professionalism, Mike is a shining example to all reporters who work in the most difficult conditions. Despite the potentially dangerous consequences of reporting and broadcasting from Zimbabwe, he remains committed to telling the story of his country on a daily basis.".

Previous winners of the award include Sorius Samura, film maker from Sierra Leone; freelance journalists working in Iraq; news cameraman Miguel Gil Moreno, who received the award posthumously; the human rights group Witness; and Natalya Dmitruk the sign language translator who defied the government in Ukraine.

Source: Thomson Reuters