Press Release: CAIR Calls for Release of U.S. Journalist in Iraq

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 01/17/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called for the immediate release of American journalist Jill Carroll abducted January 7 while on assignment for the Christian Science Monitor newspaper in Baghdad. SEE: Abducted in Iraq: An Update on Reporter Jill Carroll

Al-Jazeera reported today that the kidnappers have given the U.S. government 72 hours to give in to their demands.

In a statement, CAIR said:

"Journalists must be free to report on conflicts worldwide without fear of being targeted by combatants. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jill Carroll and for the release of all hostages held in Iraq. No cause can be served by harming those who only seek to convey the human suffering caused by war."

CAIR's statement will be translated into Arabic and distributed to Middle Eastern media outlets.

In December, CAIR held a news conference at its national headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call for the release of members of the Christian Peacemakers Teams also taken hostage in Iraq.

CAIR has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair-net.org