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German journalist arrested for visa violations in Aceh

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Associated Press - January 24, 2004

Banda Aceh – A German freelance journalist was arrested for illegally entering and reporting in war-torn Aceh province, a military spokesman said Saturday.

Cradow Cascha, 35 – who claimed he was working for the International Press Association – was detained late Friday while traveling on a public minivan in Central Aceh, said Lt. Col. Asep Sapari.

"He sneaked into Aceh province," Sapari said. "We suspect he did not have the proper visa and permit to report in Aceh." Cascha was being held in Gayo Luwes military post, he added.

The German Embassy in Jakarta and the International Press Association could not be contacted for comment.

Authorities have severely curtailed reporters' freedom of movement in Aceh since Jakarta declared martial law and launched a major military operation last May to crush the insurgency after failed peace talks with the rebels.

Foreign reporters now face a virtual ban from Aceh and require hard-to-get permits after media reports accused the military of abuses. Reporters must also enter Aceh via specific ports which have immigration officials.

Sapari said that Cascha had traveled overland from neighboring North Sumatra province.

An American freelance journalist, William Nessen, was arrested on June 24 and jailed for 40 days for violating his visa by traveling with the separatist rebels for three weeks. He was later deported.

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