Petroc Trelawny, BBC Classical Presenter, Arrested In Zimbabwe

BBC Presenter Arrested In Zimbabwe

A BBC classical music presenter has been arrested and detained in Zimbabwe, a human rights group has said.

Petroc Trelawny is believed to have been compering for free at a Bulawayo music festival when he was arrested for not having a work permit.

Zimbabwe Vigil said Trelawny, who presents classical magazine programme Music Matters, Radio 3's evening topical drive-time show In Tune and Radio 3 Live in Concert, was being held in the nation's capital Harare.

He was taken into custody on Thursday evening and the British Ambassador Deborah Bronnert is believed to have visited him.

Rose Benton, co-ordinator of Zimbabwe Vigil, said she was told about the arrest by relatives in the former Rhodesia.

"He was apparently the only musician without a work permit and that is why they arrested him," she said.

"He has been in police custody in Harare: pretty nasty business.

"Yesterday there was a public holiday. Normally it would take a day to get him out but he will be in until Monday probably."