Al Arabiya New Channel views with mounting concern the continued captivity of its Baghdad reporter Majed Hamid by US forces in Iraq. Majed, who was arrested more than 3 weeks ago, is the youngest Iraqi TV journalist in US custody in his country.
Al Arabiya is also distressed by the US military authority’s direct contravention of international law and regulations dictating detentions of journalists for prolonged periods without official charged and denying them legal counsel. Against the clearly expressed wishes and demands of various internationally renowned media freedom groups, such as IFJ, CPJ and Reporters Without borders, Majed Hameed has been unable so far to meet with family members, colleagues or representatives of officially recognized media groups in Iraq.
Records show that US military authorities in Iraq have over the past few years detained several journalists for periods approaching months only to release them without charge.
In the light of the above, Al Arabiya holds the relevant authorities responsible for the safety and security of its journalist in Iraq. The channel also holds the same authority responsible for the journalists’ inability to pursue professional duties satisfactorily due to the absence of an environment conducive to accurate and comprehensive reporting.
Iraq is approaching a series of pivotal events of historical proportions such as the constitutional referendum and the general elections.
While Al Arabiya reiterates its demand for the immediate release of its reporter Majed Hamid and asserts its commitment to the principles of free press, it embraces the safety and security of its employees and considers it of utmost importance.
Majed Hamid is recognized as one of the most active, and indeed bravest of TV journalists operating in Iraq. He covered several hotspots that witnessed some of the heaviest clashes between US forces and armed groups, most notably in the areas of Rawa and Hudaitha where his news packages and footage were the sole reports coming out of those areas at certain stages.
Al Arabiya has been suffering exceedingly as a result of its professional commitment to covering Iraq in a comprehensive manner. In addition to two other journalists held last year, it paid the ultimate price as 8 journalists lost their lives while covering clashes involving various warring parties since the fall of the former regime.
