Judiciary releases French Journalist on bail

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi judiciary released the French Journalist, Nadir Dendoune, who was arrested in Iraq in January, on bail.

Muayad al-Lami, the head of the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate stated to IraqiNews.com “The judiciary released Dendoune on bail that is 10 IQD Million where the Iraqi journalist who accompanied Dendoune was released on similar bail.”

“The French Ambassador to Iraq received Dendoune who was in a good heath condition, “he added, appreciating “The cooperation of the judiciary and the good treatment of the security forces to Dendoune.”

Dendoune was arrested for taking photos without permission in Baghdad.

Dendoune, 40, was arrested late on January while visiting Iraq to compile a series of stories on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion of the country for French monthly magazine Le Monde Diplomatique. Muayad al-Lami, the head of the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate stated to IraqiNews.com “The police forces questioned Dendoune and he should be presented before a judge,” noting that “Hopefully he will be released this week.”

Lami assured that he visited Dendoune on Saturday, and a doctor from the French embassy checked the journalist and found him to be in good health. The journalists’ syndicate chief said “Dendoune, who also holds Australian and Algerian nationalities, was arrested for taking pictures in south Baghdad of a military checkpoint and a hospital.” Dendoune’s sister Houria told sources from Paris “Dendoune was arrested while taking pictures of a water treatment plant.” Journalists in Baghdad are required to seek prior approval from the capital’s security command centre in order to take photographs at checkpoints and of members of the security forces.