Beirut, October 17, 2019 -- The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Iraqi authorities to disclose whether they have custody of Iraqi blogger Shojaa Fares al-Khafaji and if not, to immediately open an investigation after unidentified armed men took him from his home. The men raided al-Khafaji’s home and seized cell phones, computers, and surveillance camera footage there, all within sight of Iraqi security forces, according to the statement. A Clean Brotherhood staffer, who also spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said they believed al-Khafaji is being held in a detention facility in Muthanna Airport, in west Baghdad. Initial reports suggested that al-Khafaji had been arrested by a police SWAT team, but the journalist who spoke with CPJ and the Clean Brotherhood statement described the men as simply “unknown.”The Iraqi Interior Ministry did not immediately reply to CPJ’s emailed request for comment. Its most recent posts include pictures of a protester who was beaten by security forces and footage of an October 2 anti-government protest.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 17, 2019 20:03 UTC