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Alert

CPJ welcomes release of freelance reporter Jill Carroll

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

CPJ welcomes release of Jill Carroll

New York, March 30, 2006 - The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes today's release of Jill Carroll, a freelance reporter on assignment for The Christian Science Monitor who had been held captive in Iraq for nearly three months. Carroll was freed at mid-day in Baghdad. She was reported in good health and told reporters that she was treated well and was not harmed.

"We are overjoyed that this ordeal has finally ended and that Jill Carroll has been returned safely," CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. "We continue to call for the release of other remaining captives in Iraq, and we urge armed groups to stop targeting innocent civilians."

Armed groups have kidnapped at least 39 journalists since April 2004 when insurgents began targeting foreigners, according to CPJ research. Most have been released, although six have been killed.

At least two other reporters - Marwan Ghazal and Reem Zaeed of Iraqi Samaria TV - are still missing after having been kidnapped in Baghdad on February 1.

Gunmen seized Carroll and her interpreter, Allan Enwiyah, as the journalist was leaving the office of Adnan al-Dulaimi, a prominent Sunni politician, in the Adil neighborhood of western Baghdad on January 7. Carroll had intended to interview al-Dulaimi who was not available. Enwiyah was shot dead.

Carroll, 28, was dropped off near the Iraqi Islamic Party offices today, The Associated Press reported.

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.cpj.org