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Radio Free Iraq Reporter Found Dead In Baghdad

April 05, 2007

Khamail Muhsin Khalaf (undated) (RFE/RL)

BAGHDAD, April 5, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Khamail Muhsin Khalaf, a correspondent in Iraq with RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq, has been found dead today in Baghdad.

Khamail had been missing for the past two days amid fears she had been kidnapped.

According to official sources, she was shot in the head and there were wounds on her body.

Khamail, who began working for Radio Free Iraq in 2004, had received death threats in the past. She leaves behind three daughters.

"The tragic death of Khamail [Muhsin] Khalaf reminds us that each day Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondents risk their lives in pursuit of truth," Kenneth Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees U.S. foreign broadcasting, said today. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, knowing that she paid the ultimate price for fulfilling her responsibility to the people of Iraq."

RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin also praised Khamail's professionalism and dedication.

"Mrs. Khamail was a courageous journalist who wanted the best for her country and believed that the people of Iraq deserve a peaceful and prosperous future. She died for that cause," Gedmin said.

Radio Free Iraq broadcasts to Iraq from its headquarters in Prague at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

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