1 Aug 2008

Reuters calls for Iraqi cameraman Ali al-Mashhadani to be freed

Reuters has called for the release of Iraqi cameraman Ali al-Mashhadani, who was arrested on Saturday by the US military.

The Reuters cameraman, who also works freelance for the BBC and Washington-based National Public Radio, was detained in Baghdad on Saturday while undertaking checks for a US military press card.

The news agency called for his release - or for his detention to be justified.

"Any accusations against a journalist should be aired publicly and dealt with fairly and swiftly, with the journalist having the right to counsel and present a defence," said the Reuters editor-in-chief, David Schlesinger.

"Iraqi journalists like Mashhadani play a vital role in telling this story to the world," Schlesinger added.

A US military spokesman said Mashhadani was being held at Camp Cropper, an American prison near Baghdad's airport.

"He is being detained because he has been assessed to be a threat to the security of Iraq and coalition forces," the spokesman added, declining to elaborate.

US forces have detained Mashhadani before, but never charged him.  guardian.co.uk 

Also see Reporters Without Borders