'Suicide' Of War Zone Photographer Questioned

Zimbabwe's despotic rule of law is again under scrutiny with news that a war zone photographer - who comes from Northern Ireland and whose sister is a well know TV presenter - has been found dead while working on undercover assignment in the African country, (flag is pictured).

The body of Richard Mills was discovered on July 14, where he was working for The Times newspaper, but his death only became public last night, after his remains and personal belongings were returned to the Province.

Mr Mills, 41, was undercover in the strife torn country, where western media are banned - with The Times being a particular target for attention by Mugabe's regime.

However, Zimbabwean authorities have said he took his own life, by hanging, but the photo-journalist's father, Richard Mills Snr indicated the family have concerns about this version of the death; particularly as his son had signed guardianship papers for a seven-year-old boy the very day he died.

"It doesn't appear to us to be the actions of someone who is about to take their own life," said Mr Mills.

"For now we want to lay him to rest but we will be looking for answers to some of the questions that we have."

In a statement, Mr Mills spoke proudly of his son, who worked at the very top of his profession.

He covered dramatic news events in the most hostile environments, including Iraq and Afghanistan - working under immense pressure and witnessing and recording terrible human suffering, which impacted greatly on his life.

"On the day he died, Richard had signed guardianship papers for a young boy who was to leave his family in Zimbabwe to attend boarding school in Edinburgh, so that the boy could spend some weekends with Richard's family when he was so far from home."

The dead man grew up in south Belfast and attended Newtownbreda High School. He left Northern Ireland in 1987 and served for 13 years in the RAF before becoming a photographer.

He is survived by his wife Zoe, son Finn, parents Richard and Patricia and sisters Pamela and Tara Mills, the BBC presenter.

His funeral is to be held on Tuesday 29th July at 3pm at the Roselawn Crematorium, Ballygowan Road in Belfast. His family have said that his fellow photographers are welcome to attend

(BMcC)