South African journalist Micah Reddy released from Djibouti custody - IOL

South African journalist Micah Reddy is headed home from Djibouti.

The family of South African journalist Micah Reddy, who was being held in police custody in Djibouti, has confirmed he is on his way home. 

The family released a statement on Tuesday, further confirming that Reddy is unharmed.

“The past few days of uncertainty and waiting have been interminable and devastating,” the family said. 

According to the family, Reddy, a journalist and the African co-ordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), was held in the custody of Djiboutian authorities from 1pm on Saturday. Despite numerous efforts to establish his whereabouts and condition, no official information was provided until Tuesday.

Authorities claim he did not have proper media accreditation. He was held together with his colleague and local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, who has also since been released without charge.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed relief at the news.  

"We are greatly relieved. Four days in secretive intelligence custody is unacceptable treatment of an investigative journalist. CPJ welcomes the overdue release of Micah Reddy and Kooki Mahmoud, but serious questions remain about their detention and Djibouti’s opaque accreditation process. Djibouti’s strategic importance should invite greater scrutiny, not excuse censorship and intimidation," CPJ's regional director in Africa, Angela Quintal, said. 

Reddy's family said it was deeply concerning that despite repeated efforts by them, colleagues, media organisations, diplomatic representatives, and freedom groups, they were unable to receive direct confirmation of his and Mahmoud's conditions or establish any contact with them. 

The family said at the time of his detention, Reddy was not reporting on Djibouti or its government. 

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us and worked to help secure Micah’s return. We are particularly grateful to the South African and UK governments, diplomatic missions and multilateral bodies who worked tirelessly to establish his whereabouts and secure information about his welfare,” the family said. 

They also thanked the ICIJ, as well as many civil society, diplomatic and media organisations; fellow journalists, particularly those from the region; friends, family, colleagues; and members of the public in South Africa and around the world who raised their voices in support.

“Your efforts provided strength, solidarity and hope during an extraordinarily difficult time,” the family said. 

They also thanked Reddy’s legal representatives who managed to get him back home. 

“Waiting for news of a loved one whose whereabouts and wellbeing are unknown is unimaginably painful. Our thoughts are with the many families in South Africa and around the world who experience this uncertainty every day. We are profoundly grateful that, for our family, this story has a safe and happy ending,” the family said. 

Reddy’s family asked that their privacy be respected upon his return, until they are ready to share more information with the media.