AP urges authorities to investigate correspondent’s assault [Archives:2005/877/Local News]

SANA'A – Sept. 14- The Associated Press (AP) requested the Yemeni security authorities to investigate the raid on Mr. Al-Haj's office on Wednesday Aug. 24. Mr. Al-Haj and equipment of the AP including a computer, fax machine, video camera and computer disks were all taken away illegally.

The AP sent a letter to the Yemeni Minister of Interior expressing its concern over the harassment of its correspondent and the illegal seizure of equipment from his office.

The letter said, ” Mr. Al-Haj has no ties to the U.S. government and the AP is an independent news organization with no links with the U.S.”

Mr. Al-Haj and his family members received threats and his assistant was detained and questioned.

The assault of Ahmad al-Haj, an accredited journalist with a good reputation and known for his fairness and objectivity enraged the AP and other international news agencies.
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