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Alert

Correspondent for German newspaper kidnapped in conflict-ridden region

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a press release by the International Press Institute (IPI):

Vienna, 6 November 2008

IPI Calls for Immediate Release of Kidnapped FAZ Journalist Thomas Scheen

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, calls for the immediate release of the German daily newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung's Africa correspondent Thomas Scheen, who was kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, 4 November 2008.

"IPI demands the immediate and unconditional release of Scheen, who was kidnapped while carrying out his professional duties as a journalist," said IPI Director, David Dadge. "Journalists must never become targets in times of civil unrest. Scheen must be freed without delay."

According to information before IPI, Belgian national Scheen, who has been reporting on the conflict between rebels and pro-government forces in the east of the country, was kidnapped in the village of Mabenga by Mai Mai militia late on 4 November. He was abducted along with his assistant and three rebel fighters. The authorities of DRC are currently negotiating with Scheen's captors for his release.