3 French Journalists Released after 30 Hours

Three French journalists Guillaume Perrier, Estelle Vigoureux and Marc de Banville who had been detained during border pass into Northern Iraq have upon the order of Silopi public prosecutor were released after thirty hours in detention 

Journalists released, camera and cassettes confiscated

Perrier of the Le Monde newspaper was previousy released yesterday afternoon (25 October) "with an apology", after it was found that "he had nothing to do with the accusations." Vigoureux and Banville, working for the Capa Agency, who had been accused of "recording in a military area without permission", too were released a few hours later.

The journalists had been provided with legal support from the Hakkari Bar's Legal Aid Office. However, their camera and cassettes were examined by the Gendarmerie Crime Laboratory and have been seized as "instruments of crime". Cameraman Banville is reported to apply today for the return of his equipment. 

The journalists had recorded and made interviews in Hakkari, Sirnak, and several other places and were heading to Northern Iraq on car when they were stopped at the Habur border gate at around 9 am on 24 October.  They were detained upon refusing the officials' request to view their video recordings. 

Banville exposed to violence 

When cameraman Banville refused to hand over his camera, he was treated violently. His glasses were broken and his camera was seized.

The journalists were held at a gendarmerie unit attached to Silopi. Vigoureux and Banville were asked by the prosecution for whom they were recording. The journalists refused to sign papers and minutes kept by the military on the grounds that they were not in their own language.

The driver of the three journalists was released in the evening of the same day (24 October). (EÖ/AG)