France: Espionage Charges on Paris-Match Journalist "Absurd"The French Foreign Ministry said the charges of espionage brought against Paris-Match journalist Michel Peyrard, who was arrested Tuesday morning in eastern Afghanistan, were "absurd."The 44-year-old reporter was disguised as a woman and accompanied by two Pakistani guides. He was arrested in the village of Goshta, 35 kilometers east of Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. The ministry recommended all journalists avoid going into Afghanistan. "It is evident that Michel Peyrard is a well-known journalist. He was reporting when arrested. To accuse him of being a spy is absurd," said Francois Rivasseau, spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry. "We are mobilized," said Rivasseau when asked about what the French authorities intend to do to free Peyrard. "We strongly recommend all journalists avoid penetrating into Afghanistan," he said. "All journalists in Pakistan must respect local procedures when entering controlled zones, otherwise their security and that of those accompanying them will not be guaranteed." The French journalist was on a spy mission and could not benefit from clemency, a Taliban spokesman said Tuesday, quoting the Pakistan-based pro-Taliban Afghan Islamic press agency. "He was carrying a satellite telephone, a recorder and other equipment used for espionage," said the Taliban spokesman. Peyrard and his two guides were arrested and exhibited Wednesday in the streets of Jalalabad where they were stoned, reported Agence France-Presse. The crime of espionage is punishable by death under the Taliban regime. Peyrard has worked for Paris-Match for 18 years. He had a telephone conversation with his editors and transmitted pictures back to Paris on Monday night, the magazine announced Tuesday night, crediting him as a "great reporter." A British journalist, Yvonne Ridley, was arrested on September 28 by the Taliban after entering illegally into Afghanistan from the Pakistan border. She was released on Monday. |
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