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Press
Releases
11/22/2007
Watchdog: US military should apply 'due
process' in AP photographer's case
VIENNA, Austria (AP) -- A media watchdog on Thursday urged
the U.S. military to show good cause for the detention an
Associated Press photographer in Iraq, and described his incarceration
as "unjust."
Military officials have alleged that Bilal Hussein, who
has been detained for 19 months, had links to terrorist groups
but are refusing to disclose what evidence or accusations
would be presented.
An AP investigation of the case, made public Wednesday, shows
no support for allegations that Hussein, 36, took part in
insurgent activities or bomb-making, and few of the images
he provided dealt directly with Iraqi insurgents.
IIn a statement, Johann P. Fritz, director of the Vienna-based
International Press Institute, said that the only grounds
for Hussein's detention appeared to be the suspicion that
he committed an offense.
The burden of proof lies with the U.S. military to prove
Hussein's guilt, Fritz said, adding it was fundamental to
any criminal system that those holding the accused show good
cause as to why they arrested him. This, he added, should
then be tested in an independent court.
"At present, Hussein is being held in a judicial limbo
with the U.S. military changing their accusations against
him each time they are disproved," Fritz said.
"IPI calls on the U.S. military to release him or try
him or show good cause before an independent court as to why
they cannot do so."
Until this happens, Hussein, in the eyes of the international
community, will "remain an innocent AP photographer enduring
what appears to be a long and unjust imprisonment," Fritz
said.
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