New wave of kidnappings increases dangers for journalists in Iraq

Reporters Without Borders voiced alarm today about a new wave of kidnappings in Iraq after Raeda Wazzan, a presenter with the regional public TV station Iraqiya, was kidnapped yesterday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, probably with her 10-year-old son. "With four journalists abducted in less than two weeks and one abortive kidnapping attempt, it is becoming increasingly difficult for both Iraqi and foreign journalists to work in Iraq, especially when they try to report in the field," the press freedom organization said. "Journalists may under no circumstances be used as bargaining chips, and we call on all sides - the foreign and Iraqi armies and the armed groups - to respect the members of the press as neutral observers of the conflict," Reporters Without Borders added. Wazzan is the 21st journalist to be kidnapped in Iraq since the war began in March 2003. Four other journalists have gone missing. Aged 36, Wazzan is the only woman presenter at Iraqiya, which covers the province of Nineveh and its capital, Mosul. She and her son were travelling in a car that was intercepted by gunmen. Her abductors have made no public statement. Iraqiya producer Jamal Badrani narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt in Mosul about a week ago. The headquarters of the TV station has been the target of several attacks, the most recent on 16 February when six mortar shells were fired at the building, injuring three technicians.