France urges reporter's release

Paris Match journalist Michel Peyrard pictured in 1994

PARIS, France (CNN) -- Paris Match journalist Michel Peyrard is being guarded by Taliban men under house arrest, reports have said.

His news editor Marion Meryens told CNN that he was "apparently in good condition" and that he was not in an Afghanistan jail despite facing charges of espionage.

But his bosses have not heard from the 44-year-old reporter since he was arrested a week ago while trying to enter the country dressed in women's garments.

The update on his condition came from a Pakistan journalist who had been allowed to speak to him during a visit to Jalalabad on the weekend.

"That is the only information we have," Meryens added.

Peyrard, accompanied by two Pakistan guides, had attempted to cross the border wearing the burqa, a two-layered head-to-toe veil which also covers the face, and which is worn by women in Afghanistan.

His two guides also face charges of spying.

Earlier this week the French President, Jacques Chirac, had backed Peyrard's efforts to report from the scene. Afghanistan has banned foreign journalists.

Chirac said: "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.

"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."

Peyrard's news editor on Friday defended the reporter's decision, saying he wanted to report on the U.S.-led air strikes.

She also defended the weekly illustrated magazine for not having stopped him undertaking the dangerous mission.

"Michel has permission to do whatever he wants. He knows what he has to do and we back him up whatever his decision is."

Peyrard tried to get into the country after having been refused numerous visa applications, she said.

Radio appeal

Paris Match's managing editor has been in Pakistan for the past week showing authorities documents trying to prove Peyrard to be a journalist, and French officials have also been making efforts to convince the ruling Taliban to free him.

"We are trying every contact," Meryens said.

"We are in low tide at the moment, not sure what is really happening, but we keep talking to everyone."

Reporters Sans Frontieres arranged for international radio stations to broadcast a plea for his release, read by Paris Match's Genestar in French, English and Arabic, across the world.

French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin said on Thursday that the French foreign ministry had also spoken to British authorities, who managed to secure the release on Monday of British journalist Yvonne Ridley after 10 days under arrest.

She too had entered Afghanistan illegally by shrouding herself in a burqa. She was freed earlier in the month.