Iraq: IFJ Calls US to Explain Raid on Journalist

[struggle4progress]

Iraq: IFJ Calls US to Explain Raid on Journalist
Monday, 16 January 2006, 3:18 pm
Press Release: International Federation of Journalists
IFJ Calls on United States to Explain Army Raid on Home of Investigative Journalist in Iraq
The International Federation of Journalists today called on the United States army in Iraq to explain why the home of an award-winning Iraqi journalist investigating a high-level corruption scandal was raided by troops at the weekend.

American troops in Baghdad forced their way into the home of Ali Fadil, who is working with the Guardian and Channel 4, and fired shots into the room where he was sleeping with his wife and children. He was taken away and released a few hours later, but video tapes he had produced were confiscated and not returned.

“This incident smacks of intimidation of a journalist who is on the track of a story that some people would prefer does not get told,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “There has been no credible explanation for this raid. Once again it appears that journalists are suffering pressure with impunity.”

At the end of last year Fadil was awarded the UK Foreign Press Association young journalist of the year award. In Iraq he has been working with Guardian Films on an investigation for Channel 4's Dispatches programme into claims of misappropriation of tens of millions of dollars worth of Iraqi funds held by the Americans and British authorities in the country ...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0601/S00163.htm

[HuffleClaw]

1. "...video tapes he had produced were confiscated and not returned."

so, a blatant example of media suppression. scary stuff.

[wtmusic]

2. Iraq is a great place to work on stormtrooper tactics

before they try them at home.

[Dhalgren]

3. And can anyone still doubt that they will use these tactics

"at home"? We are in much worse trouble than it appears most people think we are...

[daleo]

4. Let freedom reign.

Bush style freedom.