[Konvas] American documentary filmmaker detained in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.(off topics)

[olivier satnet]

Hi all, be part of documentalists world i pass the voice
Olivier .




Dear D-Word Members and Friends,

Our dear friend, colleague and fellow D-Word member, Andrew Berends, has
been arrested while reporting from Nigeria. Below you can read the details
of his detainment.

First, we ask you to keep him in your hopes and prayers. Second, as the news
of this breaks today, we ask you to think about who you know in the media or
in the Senate/House who can help bring more attention to Andrew's situation.
Please call them on Andrew's behalf, and please forward the press statement
below as widely as possible. The more attention this gets, the better.
Third, some of you may receive calls from reporters.  We urge you to say
only what is written below, a carefully worded statement to protect Andrew
in this difficult moment. Finally, please respond to this address only if
you have high level contacts in the US government, the media, or the
Nigerian government.

Otherwise, please send any notes, prayers or best wishes for Andy to this
e-mail address: helpandyberends at gmail.com

Many thanks,

Aaron Soffin and The D-Word co-hosts
(Doug Block, Ben Kempas, John Burgan)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Aaron Soffin, Storyteller Productions
Phone: 917.887.4063 / 212.712.2781
Email: soffin at gmail.com

American documentary filmmaker detained in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

NEW YORK, September 2, 2008 - Andrew Berends, an established, award-winning
American filmmaker and journalist from New York, was detained Sunday August
31st by the Nigerian military along with his translator, Samuel George, and
Joe Bussio, the manager of a local bar. Andrew entered Nigeria legally in
April 2008 to complete a documentary film.

Andrew was held in custody without food, sleep, or representation, and with
limited water for 36 hours. He was questioned by the army, the police, and
the State Security Services in Port Harcourt. He was then temporarily
released, with an order to the SSS office at 9AM Tuesday morning. The State
Security Services has confiscated his passport and personal property.
Andrew's translator, Samuel George, remained in custody over night.

The US State Department is aware of the situation, and an attorney has been
retained on Andrew's behalf. We, Andrew's friends, family, and colleagues,
are deeply concerned that he has been held without cause and are calling for
his safe treatment and immediate release.



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