PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 14/016/2008

12 June 2008

Further Information on UA 159/08 (MDE 14/014/2008, 05 June 2008) Enforced disappearance/Fear of torture or other ill-treatment

IRAQ Rezgar Raza Chouchani (m), aged 31, journalist

Journalist Rezgar Raza Chouchani was released without charge from the headquarters of the Zeravani intelligence agency in the region of Iraqi Kurdistan on 9 June.

He was summoned to the agency's headquarters in the town of Masief Salah al-Din, just outside Erbil, on 3 June. According to other journalists, he had written about corruption in the agency, and its officials had apparently threatened him.

It is believed that Rezgar Raza Chouchani's release is on the condition that he gives up his work as a journalist for the Berzan newspaper and the Horakurd website.

Amnesty International will continue to monitor Rezgar Raza Chouchani's situation, and will take further action as necessary. Thanks to all those who sent appeals.