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14/04/2008
British Journalist Freed By Iraqi Troops
A British journalist working for an American television network has been freed by Iraqi forces after being held captive for two months in Basra.
Richard Butler, a freelance producer and photographer who was working for CBS News, was seized along with his Iraqi interpreter in February. The interpreter was released several days later.
Major General Mohammed al-Askary, an Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesman said Mr Butler was found in a house in Basra, following a military operation. He had a sack over his head and his hands were tied.
Mr Butler appeared on Iraqiya state television and said: "The Iraqi army stormed the house and overcame my guards and then burst through the door. I had my hood on which I had to have on all the time, and they shouted at me and I pulled my hood off."
He was pictured flanked by Iraqi officials, smiling and apparently in good health.
In a statement released by CBS, a spokesman said: "We are incredibly grateful that our colleague, Richard Butler, has been released and is safe."
Witness reports have said eight gunmen from the Sultan Palace Hotel kidnapped him and his interpreter two months ago.
(JM/KMcA)
Richard Butler, a freelance producer and photographer who was working for CBS News, was seized along with his Iraqi interpreter in February. The interpreter was released several days later.
Major General Mohammed al-Askary, an Iraqi Defence Ministry spokesman said Mr Butler was found in a house in Basra, following a military operation. He had a sack over his head and his hands were tied.
Mr Butler appeared on Iraqiya state television and said: "The Iraqi army stormed the house and overcame my guards and then burst through the door. I had my hood on which I had to have on all the time, and they shouted at me and I pulled my hood off."
He was pictured flanked by Iraqi officials, smiling and apparently in good health.
In a statement released by CBS, a spokesman said: "We are incredibly grateful that our colleague, Richard Butler, has been released and is safe."
Witness reports have said eight gunmen from the Sultan Palace Hotel kidnapped him and his interpreter two months ago.
(JM/KMcA)
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