U.S. reporter jailed in Sudan

ALBUQUERQUE, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he is optimistic he'll be able to secure the release of a Chicago Tribune correspondent jailed in Sudan.

Paul Salopek, his driver and an interpreter were arrested Aug. 6 in Sudan's Darfur region while on a freelance assignment for National Geographic magazine, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and New Mexico resident is charged with espionage, writing false news, passing information illegally and entering the country without a visa, the report stated.

Hoping to secure his release, Richardson left for Sudan Thursday along with Tribune Editor Ann Marie Lipinski and Salopek's wife, Linda Lynch.

"I will encourage President (Omar) al-Bashir to recognize the essential role of journalists and a free press and release Paul and his colleagues on humanitarian grounds," Richardson told the Tribune.

Ten years ago Richardson negotiated the release of three Red Cross workers and an Albuquerque pilot held hostage by Sudanese rebels, the newspaper said.