Al Jazeera Gears Up to Open Madrid Bureau

DOHA, July 14: Al Jazeera has resumed plans to set up a
bureau in Madrid, a process begun two years ago by journalist Tayseer Allouny,
who remains in a Spanish prison after being convicted last year on charges he
provided assistance to al Qaeda.

Allouny, one of the few journalists in the world to have
interviewed Osama bin Laden, was arrested in Spain two years ago and was
sentenced to seven years in prison last September. Allouny began working on the
establishment of a Madrid bureau for Al Jazeera prior to his arrest.

Al Jazeera says Allouny, from prison, “has sent a letter
urging [us] to proceed with the opening of the bureau in Spain. Mr. Allouny
restated his belief in Spain as a multifaceted country rich with history,
culture, and a dynamic political life. Al Jazeera is implementing Mr. Allouny’s
request and efforts are currently underway to have a fully functional bureau
open within the near future.”

The Middle Eastern news network has named Allouny as Madrid
Bureau Chief “and pledges to fulfill his vision for a comprehensive coverage of
his adopted country. An acting bureau chief will be appointed to oversee the
office in full coordination with Mr. Allouny—pending Tayseer’s release.”

The Al Jazeera statement continued, “Al Jazeera reiterates
its unequivocal faith in Mr. Allouny’s innocence and will continue to support
his quest for justice and freedom to enable him to reunite with his family and
resume his important work.”