International Federation of Journalists Demands AP Reporter be Freed from US Jail in Iraq

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) renewed Thursday its call on the United States authorities in Iraq to immediately release Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein who has been detained since April 12th -- but who has not been charged or put on trial.

"In the months that have passed since he was detained it has become clear that a massive injustice has taken place," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.

"This man poses no threat. He is the victim of suspicion and prejudice and there is clearly no evidence against him. Keeping him locked up only continues the ordeal of a man who is behind bars for simply doing his job."
The IFJ called on the US to respect international law.

"It's time for the United States to respect international law and to either bring him to trial or set him free," said White.

The IFJ says that Hussein is one of an estimated 13,000 people detained by the US military in Iraq, and few of them are charged with specific crimes or given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

The Brussels-based IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0707267397125639.htm