Barry Bearak, a New York Times reporter, and a British journalist were released today on bail in Zimbabwe. The two journalists were jailed after having allegedly covered the country's elections without government authorization.

While the two men have been released on bail, they must still appear in court, reports the New York Times, which quoted one of Bearak's Zimbabwean lawyers.

The arrest came in conjunction with a recent onslaught of jailings after Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe's election results appeared less than favorable.

Bearak won a Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for his coverage in Afghanistan and has been described by New York Times executive editor Biller Keller as, "an experienced and respected professional".

Source: MediaGuardian.co.uk