RSF demands release of Ibrahim Jassam

Advocates say his detention is illegal as the Iraqi central criminal court dismissed all charges against him last November.

"The US armed forces are now withdrawing from the main Iraqi cities after six years of occupation," Paris-based RSF 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 Jassam's sisters told RSF 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 says they have been 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. 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, RSF said. Three journalists have been killed since the start of the year. ■