Radio Free Iraq Correspondent Killed in Baghdad
Iraqi journalist Khamail Muhsin Khalaf, a reporter for Radio Free Iraq, the Arabic language service of RFE/RL in Iraq, was found dead in western Baghdad on April 5, 2007.
Iraqi journalist Khamail Muhsin Khalaf, a reporter for Radio Free Iraq, the Arabic language service of RFE/RL in Iraq, was found dead in western Baghdad on April 5, 2007.
According to Iraqi official sources, Mrs. Khamail was shot in the head and there were wounds on the body. She was last seen on April 3, and her family was contacted from Mrs. Khamail’s mobile phone by an unidentified caller who claimed that Mrs. Khamail was with him. There was no further communication. Mrs. Khamail had received threats before. Iraqi police continue to investigate the death.
Mrs. Khamail had been reporting for RFE/RL since 2004 on social and cultural life in Iraq. She was a highly regarded former Iraqi television journalist and newscaster. She is survived by three daughters.
Broadcasting Board of Governors Chairman Kenneth Y. Tomlinson said, “The tragic death of Khamail Muhsin reminds us that each day Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondents risk their lives in their pursuit of truth. 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 Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin said, “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.”