President Jacques Chirac came to the defence of a French...

President Jacques Chirac came to the defence of a French reporter held by the Taliban and accused of spying after entering Afghanistan disguised as a woman.
Michel Peyrard, 44, could face the death penalty if found guilty of espionage, said the Paris-based media rights group Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters without Frontiers).
"He's a journalist known internationally, recognised for his ability and for the quality of his work carried out solely in the name of public information," Chirac told a news conference.
"What is put in doubt, over and above Michel Peyrard himself, is freedom of information, freedom of the press throughout the world, a freedom which should exist in Afghanistan as in all countries of the world."