American Forces Continue to Imprison Reuters Photographer in Iraq

Advocates say Ibrahim Jassam's detention is illegal as the Iraqi central criminal court dismissed all charges against him last November.

Ibrahim Jassam

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - As US forces continue to withdraw from Iraq, a Reuters photographer remains detained despite court order, the group FreeDetainees.org says.

They report that as the US troops withdraw from Iraqi cities, many questions remain about the people still being held by the American military.

Reporters sans Frontières (Reporters Without Borders) reiterated its call for the release of Reuters photographer Ibrahim Jassam, who American authorities have held since last September.

"The US armed forces are now withdrawing from the main Iraqi cities after six years of occupation," Paris-based RSF said.

"We hope this will result in the release of detainees still held by the Americans, such as Ibrahim Jassam, who was arrested 10 months ago. His detention is illegal as the Iraqi central criminal court dismissed all charges against him last November. He must be freed."

One of Jassam's sisters told RSF by phone: "Ibrahim began a hunger strike four days ago in protest against his illegal detention. His health is deteriorating. We are very worried about him.>

His family says they have been allowed to visit him every two months. (Newswatch.in)