(Prague, Czech Republic--November 4, 2007) A Baghdad correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty missing for nearly two weeks was released by her captors. Jumana Al-Obaidi, age 29, works for RFE/RL's Arabic-language service, Radio Free Iraq.
RFE/RL President Jeff Gedmin said "all of us at RFE/RL are very relieved Jumana's ordeal is over." Gedmin added that "journalists like Jumana put their lives on the line every day. They are dedicated journalists, brave people, and Iraqi patriots. We are proud to know them."
Al-Obaidi was kidnapped from her car on October 22, while on her way to an interview at the Iraqi Environment Ministry. Her driver, a young man identified only as Abdullah, was shot and killed that morning and his body found dumped in the street. He was in his late twenties and recently married.
On behalf of RFE/RL, Gedmin thanked the authorities in Baghdad and media groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders for their support during the kidnapping ordeal.