Bilal Hussein (photojournalist)
Bilal Hussein | |
|---|---|
| Born | Iraq |
| Occupation | Photojournalist |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Known for | Associated Press photojournalist; detained by US forces from 2006 to 2008 |
Bilal Hussein () is an Iraqi Associated Press photojournalist operating out of Fallujah, Iraq. In April 2006, U.S. forces detained him in Ramadi on suspicions of supporting insurgents. Held without formal charges, the accusations against him were related to his photographic work, which had been provided to the U.S. military. Both American and Iraqi officials faced scrutiny for detaining Hussein absent evidence and for purported breaches of the Geneva Conventions. He was freed in 2008 and honored with an International Press Freedom Award that same year.
Among Hussein's work was a photograph included in a collection that earned the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography. The image depicted four insurgents in Fallujah launching mortar and small arms fire during the November 2004 U.S.-led offensive.
On September 17, 2006, the AP disclosed that Hussein had been held by the United States military since April 2006 without public charges or hearings, citing "imperative reasons of security" under United Nations resolutions. In November 2007, the U.S. military declared its intention to file criminal charges and hand over the case to Iraqi judicial authorities. On April 9, 2008, an Iraqi judicial panel ordered his release according to an Iraqi amnesty statute. By April 16, the U.S. military confirmed his release, stating he "no longer presents an imperative threat to security."
Background
Before becoming a photojournalist, Hussein was a local shopkeeper in Fallujah in 2003, dealing in cell phones and computers. During the Iraq War, the Associated Press employed him as a general assistant because of his familiarity with the area—a common practice when hiring local personnel in conflict zones. As Fallujah’s situation deteriorated in 2004, AP provided Hussein with training in photography and camera operation. By September 2004, he began freelancing for AP on a per-photo payment basis. Although his family left Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury, Hussein stayed behind to document both the consequences of attacks and insurgent activities. Eventually, he relocated to Baghdad without his camera—which AP replaced—and then moved on to Ramadi in early 2005.
Allegations
In April 2006, U.S. Military forces apprehended Hussein in Ramadi after requesting permission to use his residence as an observation post during an operation. They alleged discovering bomb components and insurgent propaganda inside his home. The military also claimed Hussein was found alongside two insurgents, including Hamid Hamad Motib, who was identified as an alleged al-Qaida leader in Iraq. Major General Jack Gardner asserted that Hussein maintained close associations with individuals involved in kidnappings, smuggling operations, IED attacks, and other assaults on coalition forces, further stating that Hussein’s access to insurgent activities surpassed that of legitimate journalists. On April 14, 2008, he was released after being deemed no longer a threat. His Iraqi attorney upheld his innocence and suggested that U.S. forces targeted him because of the sensitive nature of his photographic material.
Associated Press response
On September 17, 2006, Tom Curley, president and CEO of AP, declared that Bilal Hussein was "detained contrary to Iraqi law and disregarding the Geneva Conventions," urging either formal charges under Iraqi jurisdiction or immediate release. The AP reached out to U.S. military officials, The Pentagon, and ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad seeking transparency and transfer of jurisdiction to Iraqi courts. When no progress occurred, AP made the detention public.
Curley voiced concerns regarding Hussein’s lack of due process, describing it as a "miscarriage of the very justice and rule of law that the United States professes to support in Iraq." AP attorney Dave Tomlin emphasized that proper legal procedures were not followed.
Kathleen Carroll, AP executive editor, contended that having contacts with insurgents does not equate to collaboration since journalists often maintain sources across conflict lines for comprehensive reporting. An examination of 420 of Hussein’s photographs revealed only 37 images featuring insurgents or suspected insurgents; most depicted scenes such as destruction caused by conflict, injured or deceased civilians, and everyday street life.
AP representatives noted that Hussein was among approximately 14,000 individuals detained worldwide by U.S. forces as suspected security threats—about 13,000 within Iraq—with only a small fraction formally charged or granted court hearings. The military had yet to present concrete evidence supporting claims against Hussein.
International Editor John Daniszewski reported that allegations connecting Hussein to the abduction of two Arab journalists in Ramadi were contradicted by those journalists themselves; they stated that Hussein assisted them after their release and had never been questioned by multinational forces. Human rights attorney Scott Horton, retained by AP, pointed out inconsistencies in military accounts regarding whether Hussein was specifically targeted or caught up in wider detentions.
Following Hussein’s release in 2008, AP reiterated that he had no improper contacts and was merely fulfilling his journalistic responsibilities.
Additional reactions
In 2005, the Committee to Protect Journalists, headquartered in New York, disclosed that since the 2003 Iraq invasion, seven Iraqi reporters—including Bilal Hussein—had been held by US forces without formal charges. Prior to his detention, Hussein was criticized by right-leaning online commentators; notably, on the day of his arrest, blogger Michelle Malkin referenced an unnamed military source.
Conclusion of judicial process
On April 7, 2008, an Iraqi judiciary determined that Bilal Hussein’s case was covered under a preexisting amnesty law, directing the prosecutor to halt all proceedings and order his prompt release unless other accusations were pending. A Pentagon representative noted that Iraqi authorities would make the final decision regarding Hussein’s freedom based on security evaluations. By April 14, 2008, the US military no longer classified him as a significant threat, leading to his release on April 16 after two years of confinement.
Recognition
In 2008, Bilal Hussein was honored with the International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists, which acknowledges reporters who exhibit bravery in upholding press freedom despite facing intimidation or incarceration.