New wave of kidnappings increases dangers for journalists in Iraq

New wave of kidnappings increases dangers for journalists in Iraq
Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders voiced alarm today about a new wave of kidnappings in Iraq after Raeda Wazzan, a presenter with the regional public TV station Iraqiya, was kidnapped yesterday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, probably with her 10-year-old son.

"With four journalists abducted in less than two weeks and one abortive kidnapping attempt, it is becoming increasingly difficult for both Iraqi and foreign journalists to work in Iraq, especially when they try to report in the field," the press freedom organization said.

"Journalists may under no circumstances be used as bargaining chips, and we call on all sides - the foreign and Iraqi armies and the armed groups - to respect the members of the press as neutral observers of the conflict," Reporters Without Borders added.