mechanisms in the SADC region. This eventually culminated in the conceptualisation of the SADC Journalists Under Fire campaign. CAMPAIGNS The SADC Journalists Under Fire Campaign Journalists in some countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) work under perilous circumstances. In some cases, journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news. The SADC Journalists Under Fire Campaign is designed to offer practical support to journalists who fall victim to media freedom violations. MISA's support to victims of media freedom violations has previously been mainly through the issuing of Action Alerts. MISA's Action Alerts are an excellent tool for advocacy as they strengthen the cause of freedom of expression. Action Alerts help turn spotlights from around the world squarely on those responsible for human rights violations and this can make a significant difference, as those who violate human rights often rely on the cover of darkness. Unfortunately the issuing of an action alert does not guarantee the protection of journalists. Practical follow-up is required to forward the momentum and opportunities created by action alerts. In the case of Zimbabwe for instance, MISA has witnessed - and reported on - the escalation of detentions and police violence against media workers in that country. The Zimbabwe Republic Police now, as a matter of habit, detain reporters while on duty, on the pretext that they have committed criminal offices. During these detentions undue force is used against the media workers who are denied other fundamental freedoms and then, quite predictably, are released without charge. MISA has reported - in the case of Malawi - of ongoing harassment of media workers by ruling party youths. In the rest of the region only the names of the journalists and the media institutions targeted may differ, for the attacks suffered are similar, ongoing and have, in some cases intensified specifically because of targeted campaigns by those enemies of press freedom and freedom of expression. Background to the campaign In July 2002 MISA convened a core group of working journalists who are previous victims of media freedom and freedom of expression violations. The core group was asked to discuss the feasibility of establishing support teams in various towns and 18