AP Photog Bilal Hussein Vows to "Forge Ahead"

In his first public remarks since being released from U.S. military custody in April, Associated Press photojournalist Bilal Hussein says he plans to forge ahead with his work as a photographer. Hussein was one of several journalists who received the International Press Freedom Award, presented by the Committee to Protect Journalists, on November 30. Unable to attend the ceremony in New York City, Hussein accepted the award via a video link and spoke through an interpreter. According to  CPJ, Hussein said,

“Iraq is one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists to live and work in because some of the parties at conflict did not want the truth to come out... A journalist is like a candle that burns to light up the way for others. A journalist suffers tragedies in order to brighten the course toward the truth.... If I had to go through this again I would not hesitate if it is to get the truth out, because I know I will not be alone.”

Hussein's whereabouts weren't explained – in an AP story, he was described as being in "the Middle East."

Hussein was held for more than two years by the U.S. military, accused of being a security threat. He was ultimately granted amnesty by an Iraqi court and set free.

On the same day that Hussein was being honored, an Iraqi court ordered the release of another Iraqi photojournalist from U.S. military custody. Ibrahim Jassam Mohammed, who has shot for Reuters and other Western news outlets, was arrested by the U.S. military in September. Read more in this PDN story.