British journalist rescued in Basra

Great news came from Iraq on Monday, April 14. Journalist from the United Kingdom, which has been kidnapped about two months ago, was accidentally rescued by Iraqi troops. This British journalist, Richard Butler, working for CBS were captured together with his local Iraq interpreter in February 10 from the hotel called Sultan Palace Hotel in Basra, where they were staying. It happened the same day, when another 37 people were killed or found dead nationwide. The interpreter was released within few days, but in spite of all invested efforts, in which many important local politicians, for example Mugtada al-Sadr were involved, Richard Butler was not set free and had to stay in the captivity. Mohammed al-Askari, a spokesman of the Defense Ministry declared, that the purpose of the army operating in that area was not actually to find and rescue Richard Butler. He said, that the troops were just go through the area of Shiite militia stronghold in Basra, when they suddenly got under fire coming out of the house, where Butler was being held. Butler was found hooked and bound in. All the time he was in seizure, he had to had his hook on. After rescuing, he was little bit thin, because he lost quite a bit of weight, but generally he was in good condition. He was very happy to be free again, he was laughing, thanking everybody a said that he was looking forward to seeing his family again. To the address of Iraqi army, he said, that they was really brilliant.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080414/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq;_ylt=Agv4IrbMsSl4uYSySltuF9as0NUE

by Lucia Hrusovska for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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