Belgian photojournalist arrested in India
Belgian freelance photojournalist Simon Clément was arrested last week in north-eastern India near the Myanmar border, Belga has learned from reliable sources.
Clément's arrest took place in the state of Mizoram and was reported by local media. Indian authorities suspect him of illegally crossing the border with Myanmar. Clément was also found in possession of an empty bullet casing, which he claimed was a keepsake.
Clément has reportedly been charged with possessing an empty bullet casing and crossing the border
Such actions are sensitive in India because of the presence of Indian insurgents in neighbouring Myanmar, a highly divided country with numerous armed groups. Four years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi was deposed as Myanmar's head of government and imprisoned by coup plotters.
Clément has reportedly been charged with both possessing the empty bullet casing and crossing the border. It is unclear how long he will remain in custody. The Foreign ministry in Brussels says it is aware of the case and is following it closely with the embassy in New Delhi.
The Indo-Myanmar border in Mizoram, India, 2021 © PHOTO AFP / SAJJAD HUSSAIN
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