Detained Reuters photographer released in Zimbabwe

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A Reuters photographer detained for three days in Zimbabwe for allegedly using a satellite phone to send pictures was released on bail on Thursday.

Howard Burditt, a Zimbabwean national who was covering the aftermath of the country's elections, had been held in jail since Monday.

David Schlesinger, Reuters Editor-in-Chief, said: "I am extremely relieved that Howard has been released but disturbed that he should have been held in jail for so long on such a charge."

Reuters had earlier called for Burditt's immediate release.

"As part of its pan-African news operations, Reuters has long had a legitimate and fully accredited bureau in Harare, and has always complied with Zimbabwean regulations with the aim of accurately reporting the news," a company statement said.

Zimbabwean authorities say it is illegal to use a satellite phone unless it has been registered.

Tension has risen in Zimbabwe since elections on March 29, in which the ruling ZANU-PF party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since independence in 1980.

Official results released last week showed that opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe in a parallel presidential vote, but not by the outright majority needed to avoid a run-off.

Tsvangirai says the outcome was rigged and has yet to say if he would contest a second round. The date for this contest has not been announced.