Documentary
filmmaker Andrew Berends, who had been arrested and detained by Nigerian
authorities for most of last week, was released Tuesday and is on his way home,
according to the blog that's been
maintained during his ordeal.
Among
the US senators who were instrumental in securing Berends' release include Hillary
R. Clinton (D-New York) and Charles Schumer (D-New York), as well as Senators
Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patrick
Leahy (D-VT), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Robert Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
and John Kerry (D-MA).
However,
Samuel George, Berends' translator, has to report to State Security Services
Wednesday. Given the crucial role that translators play in facilitating the
work of journalists and documentary makers, the Berends story is not over. Keep
checking http://helpandy.wordpress.com/ for
updates on George-and thank the aforementioned Senators for their efforts.