AFP reporter detained in Tehran: witnesses
Released on - Wednesday,04 November , 2009 -20:36
AFP reporter Farhad Pouladi was detained by security force members in the centre of Tehran during a rally on Wednesday to mark the storming by students of the US embassy 30 years ago, witnesses said.
He was detained at around 10:45 am (0715 GMT) after being stopped by three security personnel, two in uniform and one in plainclothes. One was carrying a walkie talkie, the witnesses said.
Pouladi was riding pillion on a motorcycle when he was stopped.
The rider of the motorcycle said the security force officials confiscated the reporter's mobile phone and then escorted him away.
Since then his whereabouts have been unknown.
AFP has been in touch with the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance which coordinated foreign media coverage of the rally.
Officials there gave AFP the assurance that they are tracking Pouladi's case.