Islamic advocacy group sent delegation to Iraq to seek Carroll's freedom

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/30/2006) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the release of American journalist Jill Carroll who was abducted January 7th in Iraq while on assignment for the Christian Science Monitor newspaper.

SEE: Carroll Says Captors Treated Her Well

In January, CAIR sent a delegation to Iraq to make a public appeal for Carroll's release. CAIR's office in her home state of Michigan issued a similar appeal.

SEE: Muslim Americans Seek Reporter's Release
SEE ALSO: Michigan Group Appeals for Release of Kidnapped Journalist

"We welcome Jill Carroll's release and hope this positive development leads to a situation in which all other hostages currently being held in Iraq are released immediately and unconditionally," said CAIR Government Affairs Director Corey Saylor. Saylor was part of the delegation CAIR sent to Iraq seeking Carroll's freedom.

Along with the delegation to Iraq, CAIR also coordinated a joint appeal by national Muslim leaders calling for Carroll's safe return to her family.

SEE: U.S. Muslim Leaders Call for Release of Journalist in Iraq

In December, CAIR held a news conference at its national headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call for the release of four members of the Christian Peacemakers Teams also taken hostage in Iraq. Three of those hostages were rescued recently. A fourth hostage, an American, was killed by his kidnappers.

SEE: CAIR Calls for Release of Iraq Hostages

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding