U.S. immigration officials have released a Pakistani journalist who reports for Voice of America's Deewa Radio and whose home was destroyed by Taliban militants last month in northwestern Pakistan.
Rahman Bunairee was freed Wednesday, more than one week after he arrived in the United States and was taken into custody at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, VOA reported. The Department of Homeland Security has refused to comment on his case, citing privacy reasons. Bunairee was let go after US customs authorities apparently resolved questions about his visa.
VOA reported:
Bunairee's ultimate legal status and right to remain in the U.S. will be determined at a future immigration hearing. The journalist is currently reviewing his legal options with his attorney.
VOA's parent agency, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, issued a statement welcoming Bunairee's release, describing him as a man of extraordinary courage and dedication. The BBG said it expects Bunairee will in due course be able to undertake the assignment at VOA for which he has come to the United States. Bunairee traveled to Washington to help VOA develop its broadcasts to the troubled Afghanistan-Pakistan border region through the Radio Deewa service.
Bunairee came to the United States after a group of militants came to his residence early last month in northwestern Pakistan's Buner district and blew up his home. The reporter, who was not present at the time, said the militants allowed 11 members of his family to leave. No one was reported hurt in the blast, but the journalist said militants threatened to take further action if they found him.
"The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is relieved that Rahman Bunairee has been released," said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. "Bunairee worked as a reporter on the frontlines of a conflict of strategic importance to the United States and was brought to Washington by the US-funded Voice of America. We hope that his status in the US will be resolved quickly so he can resume his work as a journalist."
