CNN reporters kicked out of Baghdad for 'ludicrous' reasons

Two CNN reporters expelled from Baghdad were safe in Jordan today and don’t expect to be returning soon.

Nic Robertson described how an information ministry official summoned him and his crew from their hotel room at about 3.30pm Baghdad time yesterday to tell them they had to leave.

The official said: “You are worse than the American administration. Get out of Iraq! Get out immediately!” Robertson said.

He said the official gave a list of reasons, which Robertson said were “ludicrous”.

Robertson, Rym Brahimi, producer Ingrid Formanek and photographer Brian Puchaty had been the only staff members of a US-based TV network still in Baghdad. They waited until daylight today to drive to Jordan.

Robertson speculated that the authorities did not want Iraqi citizens – many of whom can see CNN – to view pictures of the country losing territory to American troops.

“One of the only ways they can vent their anger and frustration is on the international media organisations,” he said, “and CNN is the one they see most and know most.”

CNN reporters have been ordered out of the country at least three times since the Baghdad bureau opened in 1990.