NBC documentary on
Mullah Krekar criticised"The Wanted," a NBC new news-division show, which dealt with former terrorist leader Mullah Krekar who has been declared unwanted in Norway, and which was this week also aired by Norwegian channel TV2, has been criticised.
A Norwegian court ruling has confirmed that Mullah Krekar, who held refugee status in Norway, may be expelled on the grounds that he is posing a threat to national security.
But the court also stated that the decision to expel would not be implemented at the present time, because of the conditions in Iraq are still such that, considering Norway's obligations under international law, he cannot be returned to his home region.
The Norwegian Government has been trying to obtain a guarantee from the Iraqi authorities that Krekar's life will not be in danger if he is returned to Iraq.
Critics, both in the US and Norway, say that in the NBC program the subject and treatment were too serious for entertainment viewers yet not professionally prepared.
The Norwegian Government has found it necessary to issue a statement on the program:
The issues raised in the programme are of high priority for the Norwegian Government. However, there is very little new information in the programme, except for a document allegedly providing a solution to the issues. The programme deals with a serious matter in a superficial manner.
Here are the key facts:
1. Mullah Krekar will be expelled from Norway, in accordance with the expulsion order against him.
2. The expulsion will take place as soon as the necessary conditions are met. These include credible and effective guarantees against execution, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment.
3. Neither the document presented in the programme nor the present situation in Iraq meet these conditions under international and Norwegian law. However, Norway and Iraq are in dialogue about the return issue.
The US Advertising Age wrote about the NBC program: "The Wanted" has become controversial for many reasons, including the jumble of journalism and reality TV styles that at times made the premiere look more like a TV remake of "Mission Impossible" than a responsible look at those responsible for crimes against humanity.
Source: NRK/Press release/Norway Post
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