A Turkish court has ordered the release of two British journalists working for U.S.-based Vice News who were charged earlier this week with "aiding a terrorist organization," Vice News confirms.
While British citizens Jake Hanrahan and Philip Pendlebury have been released, their Iraqi translator, Mohammed Ismael Rasool, remains in custody. In a statement, Vice commended the release of its staffers but called for the release of Rasool, who has worked across the Middle East with not only Vice but The Associated Press and Al Jazeera as well.
"While we are grateful that they have been freed, we are deeply worried by reports that our other VICE News colleague, Mohammed Ismael Rasool, has had his appeal of release rejected by the Turkish government," the statement reads. "We call on the Turkish authorities for a swift end to this unjust detainment and to grant his immediate release."
The Vice crew was reporting on the escalating tensions between police and the youth faction of the pro-Kurdistan Workers' Party in the city of Diyarbakir when the individuals were arrested for lack of proper government identification.
Vice News has become well-known for its brand of journalism, reporting from some of the most difficult and dangerous parts of the world, including gaining rare access to a part of Islamic State-controlled Syria last summer.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.