2 July 2009

Alert

Journalist begins hunger strike to protest continued detention by US forces


Incident details

Detention, Hunger strike

Ibrahim Jassam, Photographer

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(RSF/IFEX) - As US troops begin their withdrawal from Iraqi cities, many questions remain about the persons still detained by US forces. Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of Reuters photographer Ibrahim Jassam, who has been held since September 2008.

"The US armed forces are now withdrawing from the main Iraqi cities after six years of occupation," Reporters Without Borders said. "We hope this will result in the release of detainees still held by the Americans, such as Ibrahim Jassam, who was arrested 10 months ago. His detention is illegal as the Iraqi central criminal court dismissed all charges against him last November. He must be freed."

One of his sisters told Reporters Without Borders by phone: "Ibrahim began a hunger strike four days ago in protest against his illegal detention. His health is deteriorating. We are very worried about him." His family is allowed to visit him every two months.

Jassam was arrested by US and Iraqi soldiers in the south Baghdad district of Mahmoudiyah on 1 September 2008. No evidence was produced against him when the central criminal court heard his case on 30 November and dismissed all the charges. Nonetheless, he is still being held in Buki prison in Basra, 550 km south of Baghdad.

The situation of journalists continues to be critical in Iraq and the danger persists as the US forces pull out. Three journalists have been killed since the start of 2009.

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More on this case

US military releases Reuters photographer after 17 months in detention 11 February 2010 One year on, Reuters cameraman remains jailed without charge by US forces in Iraq 3 September 2009 US military refuses to comply with court order to free Reuters photographer 11 December 2008 Court orders release of Iraqi journalist, charges withdrawn 4 December 2008 Cameraman freed by U.S.; another still held 9 September 2008 Two journalists taken into custody by American military; CPJ concerned by recent spike in detentions 5 September 2008

At a glance

Iraq
Iraq
 
Key reports and information
  • Iraq’s Information Crimes Law

    Badly Written Provisions and Draconian Punishments Violate Due Process and Free Speech

    Human Rights Watch 12 July 2012

  • World Report 2012: Iraq

    "In April Iraq’s parliament approved a Journalists’ Protection Law, intended to protect media workers and compensate them for injuries sustained while working"

    Human Rights Watch 22 February 2012

  • Attacks on the Press in 2011: Iraq

    Iraq's impunity rate, "three times worse than any other nation"

    Committee to Protect Journalists 22 February 2012

  • Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Iraq

    Iraq fell 22 places, from 130th to 152nd in annual press freedom index

    Reporters Without Borders 25 January 2012

 
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