French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi, held in Afghanistan since January 7, was released on Wednesday after being acquitted, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said.
“Taliban justice has ordered the release of journalist Mortaza Behbudi. The decision was made after 284 days of detention,” RSF said in a statement.
“During a criminal court hearing in Kabul that day, the judges declared their innocence on all charges, including espionage, ‘illegal support of foreigners’ and aiding illegal emigration,” the NGO added.
Mortaza Behbudi, 29, was born in Afghanistan but became a refugee in France. He returned to his home country on January 5 to report the incident and was detained two days later as he prepared to reinstate his journalistic credentials.
“He was not detained as a journalist (…) because he has direct connections with opponents of our regime,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a France Télévisions report published in early July.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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