Alert: Namibian Sealers Beat Journalists
17 July 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- Despite an overwhelming objection to seal slaughter in Namibia earlier this year, illegal clubbing began again this week.
Within twenty minutes of filming Monday, sealers moved from their young victims and switched their focus onto two men who were filming it.
South African film-maker Bart Smithers, and British citizen Jim Wickens of Eco-storm, were beaten by the sealers in the Cape Cross Seal Reserve in Western Namibia as they attempted to document the illegal clubbing. Police were called in and both men were charged with trespassing and obstruction.
"We are at present working with the British High Commission in Namibia to establish the full picture and secure the release of our team." said Andrew Wasley, co-director of Eco-storm. "Clearly this was a violent and unwarranted attack on two journalists doing their job - gathering information and pictures of the highly secretive Namibian seal hunt."
Their camera, and other possessions, were taken by the sealers in order to hide evidence of the crime. According to Wickens, sealers attacked them again after the men were put into a police vehicle.
"We are asking for their immediate release of Jim Wickens and Bart Smithers. We want the Namibian authorities to investigate the assaults and theft of equipment," added Wasley.
Cape fur seals are listed as endangered, but this didn't stop the operation from moving forward. Their breeding colonies were subjected to inhumane torture and death. The sealers apparently signed onto the gig for only $100.00 a month.
The latest figures of seal pup deaths have reached over 300. It has been reported that the workers clubbed and killed these young seals without a permit.
Smithers and Wickens are being held at the Henties Bay Police Station and there is no word if and when they will be released.
Please lend your support for the release of Smithers and Wickens by sending an e-mail to the following contacts:
His Excellency High Commissioner, Mr. Philemon Kambala secretary@namibia.org.za
Police Attache, Mr. Oscar P. Embululu police@namibia.org.za
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