Iraqi Photographer Held for 17 months Without Charges by U.S. Finally Free

Several journalists working for foreign news organizations, including AFP, have been arrested and held without charge by the US military in Iraq.

Freelance journalist Ibrahim Jassam Mohammed

(BAGHDAD) - Iraqi freelance journalist Ibrahim Jassam Mohammed, held by U.S. forces without charges, was set free this month. He was working for the Thomson Reuters media group.

Reuters spoke to the 33-year old by telephone. He said, "How can I describe my feelings? This is like being born again" He said meeting his family had been very emotional.

The journalist told AFP he was "very happy" to be free.

US and Iraqi forces broke into the home of this video cameraman in Mahmudiya, south of Baghdad, in September 2008. He was arrested but never charged.

At the time the U.S. Army said Mohammed had been "assessed to be a threat to the security of Iraq and coalition forces."

There was no further explanation.

Reuters quoted its editor-in-chief, David Schlesinger, saying, "I am very pleased his long incarceration without charge is finally over."

He added, "I wish the process to release a man who had no specific accusations against him had been swifter."

Reporters Without Borders welcomed Mohammed's release but was and has been very critical of the US military's handling of the case.

The worldwide press freedom organization said, "This release is excellent news," in a statement.

"However it comes after long months in custody during which the U.S. Army never deigned to give any reason for the photographer's arrest and this despite the fact that an Iraqi court had ordered his release."

Several journalists working for foreign news organizations, including AFP, have been arrested and held without charge by the US military in Iraq.

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Source: rawstory.com

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