American documentary filmmaker detained in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
From Thom Powers’ Doc Blog:
I received word from filmmaker James Longley this morning that our friend and colleague Andrew Berends has been detained in Nigeria while working on a film. Berends directed two memorable documentaries in Iraq Blood of My Brothers and When Adnan Comes Home that screened widely on the festival circuit…
…Berends colleagues have issued the following press statement, urging anyone who might have influence in politics or media to shine more light on this case. Contact: helpandyberends@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 return 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.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:18 am
Right now, Andrew’s supporters are asking U.S. citizens to contact their representatives in Congress and ask that they pressure the State Department to make Andrew and Samuel’s case a priority. People outside the U.S. can contact their local media with the latest press release from the site below.
For background information and updates on the situation, go to http://helpandy.wordpress.com/
On the right side of that page is a “what you can do to help” link. There you will find contact information for legislators and a few simple talking points.
As translator Samuel George is a Nigerian, he will not have as much protection as American citizen Andrew Barends. It is therefore crucial that we always include Samuel by name in this campaign.
Note to S.P. eds: can you include the above link in the upcoming Bulletins along with the short article? Or, better yet, include the link with the latest press release from that site. Thanks.