Kidnappers free TV journalist after holding him for three days

Reporters Without Borders hails the release early today of journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi of the satellite TV station Al-Baghdadiyah, who was kidnapped three days ago in central Baghdad. According to news agency reports, he was freed unharmed with no ransom being paid. “It is a great relief to see this journalist return safe and sound to his family,” Reporters Without Borders said. “His abduction had elicited a great deal of concern as many journalists have been killed in recent years in Iraq after being taken hostage. We must continue to campaign for the 14 other journalists of whom there has been no news since they were kidnapped in Iraq.” The Iraqi news agency Aswat Al Iraq said Zaidi, 28, was reunited with his family after being taken to a hospital for a brief checkup. The agency quoted an unnamed source as saying no ransom was paid for his release. Ziad Al-Ajili of the Iraqi Press Freedom Monitoring Centre praised the swift response of Al-Baghdadiyah and several human rights organisations in Iraq and abroad, which “emphasized the humanitarian aspect and Zaidi's qualities as a journalist.” Al-Baghdadiyah yesterday broadcast a special two-hour programme dedicated to Zaidi, who has worked for the station since 2005. ------------------------------------------------------------- 18.11.2007 Al-Baghdadiyah TV journalist kidnapped in central Baghdad Reporters Without Borders voiced deep concern today about the disappearance of Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi of satellite TV station Al-Baghdadiyah, who was kidnapped in central Baghdad on 16 November. The news agency reports of his abduction offer little reason for optimism. “The kidnapping of a journalist in Iraq is often a prelude to his murder, and we have every reason to fear for Zaidi's life,” the press freedom organisation said. “This war has resulted in massive bloodshed for both the Iraqi and foreign media. Never before in history have journalists suffered so much in a war. We urge all the security forces present in Baghdad to work together to find Zaidi. And we extend our support to his family and colleagues.” The Associated Press quoted an Al-Baghdadiyah editor as saying Zaidi went missing in central Baghdad while on his way to work. The editor said that, when Zaidi failed to turn up, a colleague called his mobile. A strange voice answered and said: “Forget Muntadhar.” Broadcasting from the Egyptian capital of Cairo, Al-Baghdadiyah is regarded as pro-Sunni and critical of the current, US-backed Iraqi government. Zaidi's abduction surprised his colleagues because the 28-year-old journalist's reports were considered “moderate” and neither he nor his station had received any threats. Al-Baghdadiyah has nonetheless lost two of its employees to violence since the start of the war. The latest, Jawad al-Daami, was murdered on 23 September. A total of 206 media workers - journalists, technicians and assistants - have been killed since the start of the US-led invasion in March 2003, 46 of them since the start of this year.