The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation of journalists representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply concerned over the expulsion of an Australian freelance journalist from East Timor.

Freelance journalist, Julian King who has been working in East Timor for more than four years was deported to Australia on Monday, 28 June 2004. The Government of East Timor’s decision to expel King ignored a Dili court finding that cleared King of "subversion" charges brought by police in May.

King had been investigating the Government's Timor Gap oil negotiations when he was charged with possessing weapons and illegal documents.

The IFJ’s affiliate in Australia, The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance wrote to the Government of East Timor, prior to the deportation, concerned by the conduct of the police investigation.

The deportation of the journalist raises further questions about the East Timorese Government's regard for press freedom and democratic process.

For further information, please contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries