US military releases Iraqi cameraman

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BAGHDAD (AFP) — An Iraqi cameraman working for Reuters and held for three weeks without charge by the American military was released on Thursday, a US military spokesman said.

Ali al-Mashhadani, who also freelances for the BBC and US-based National Public Radio, was detained on July 30 in Baghdad's heavily fortified government compound, the Green Zone, during a routine check.

Reuters and the BBC welcomed his release, but called on the US authorities to explain why Mashhadani, who has been detained twice before, was held.

Major John Hall, a spokesman for the American forces in Iraq, said: "Just after noon he was turned over to Reuters. The findings of the investigation allowed him to be released."

The US military had earlier said it detained...