(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has acknowledged the 10 April 2005 release of Al-Arabiya journalist Waël Issam, but called for his case to be quickly resolved so that he might continue to work freely. Issam was arrested two weeks ago by Iraqi authorities. The satellite news channel reporter was picked up at Baghdad International Airport carrying videotapes […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has acknowledged the 10 April 2005 release of Al-Arabiya journalist Waël Issam, but called for his case to be quickly resolved so that he might continue to work freely. Issam was arrested two weeks ago by Iraqi authorities.
The satellite news channel reporter was picked up at Baghdad International Airport carrying videotapes recorded in the former rebel bastion of Falluja, 50 km west of the capital. He was held at an Interior Ministry building along with common criminals.
“Until there is evidence to the contrary, this journalist has committed no offence,” RSF said. “Filming what is happening in a sensitive area, wherever it may be, does not amount to an offence liable to a prison sentence. If he has to go before a court, we urge the Iraqi authorities to show impartiality and demonstrate their commitment to press freedom.”
Nejib Bensherif, Al-Arabiya’s coordinator in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), told RSF over the phone that Issam’s bail had been set at one million Iraqi dinars (approx. US$720; 558 euros).
“We still do not know if there is going to be a trial,” he said. “Waël Issam has to remain in Baghdad until we get a decision from the authorities. He will either be definitively discharged or he will be tried. It is already good news that he has been freed. We are optimistic.”
“We take complete responsibility for the content of the tapes and we have confidence in our correspondent in Baghdad, Jawad Kadhem, who viewed them and found nothing offensive in them,” Bensherif added.
