British reporter quizzed by Taleban as spy

A British journalist captured inside Afghanistan by the ruling Taleban is being questioned to establish if she is a spy.

Yvonne Ridley, 41, was reporting undercover for the Sunday Express newspaper when she was arrested with her two Afghan guides 15km from the Pakistan border.

The Afghan Islamic Press reported that she was not carrying travel documents and had entered the country illegally. The Taleban has asked all foreigners to leave the country and declared it would not issue visas to journalists.

The British Foreign Office said last night that it was increasingly worried for Ridley's safety.

A spokeswoman said: "We urge those holding her to treat her well and to resolve this situation quickly."

Sohail Shaheen, the Taleban ambassador in Pakistan, said there was likely to be an investigation into whether Ridley was a journalist or a spy. If proved to be a journalist she could be free in a week.

But another Taleban official said that she was still being questioned and could be put on trial for spying.

Ridley, an experienced journalist who had worked as a freelance for several British newspapers, arrived in Pakistan two days after the attacks in the US on September 11.

Her ex-partner, Daoud Zaaoura, a former officer of the PLO, said she was a journalist of "great integrity and courage".

But he added: "She can be reckless and I am gravely worried about her now. The Taleban is a fanatical regime and I am concerned that they will think she has been gathering intelligence."

Sunday Express editor Martin Townsend described Ridley as an experienced reporter who had covered several conflicts.

"We are seeking an urgent clarification of the exact position and are cooperating fully with the Foreign Office in securing the quick and safe release of our journalist."

Full coverage: Terror in America

Pictures: Day 1 | Day 2 | Brooklyn Bridge live webcam

Video

The fatal flights

Emergency telephone numbers:

United Airlines: 0168 1800 932 8555

American Airlines: 0168 1800 245 0999

NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: 0800 872 111

US Embassy in Wellington (recorded info): 04 472 2068