In Turkey, a British journalist and cameraman have been released from jail. The detention of the two men, charged under the country’s anti-terror laws, has sparked growing criticism nationally and internationally.
Journalist Jake Hanrahan and cameraman Philip Pendlebury were released from a high security jail Thursday. No official reason for their release has so far been given. But their colleague, Mohammed Rasool, remains imprisoned. Their detention has provoked strong criticism both in Turkey and abroad, with the European Union and U.S. State Department voicing concern.
Andrew Gardner of the human rights group Amnesty International says more needs to be done.
"It's very good news that the two journalists have been released, however Mahmood Rasool is still in prison and he should be freed immediately as well, and the criminal investigation should be dropped immediately," Gardner said.
The men were arrested last week in Diyarbakir in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast, while reporting on renewed fighting between the Turkish state and the Kurdish rebel group PKK. All were charged Sunday with aiding a terrorist organization. It remains unclear whether those released will be allowed to leave the country.
ISTANBUL —
