[Mark Rabinowitz] A few days ago I wrote about filmmaker Andrew Berends and his detention, along with his interpreter Samuel George, in Nigeria. At the time, he had been arrested, temporarily released and ordered to return, which he did. Berends has now been in custody since August 31st, barring his 36 hour release. According to the blog set up to monitor the situation, Berends has not been visited by a US consular official, despite their knowledge of the situation and despite letters to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice from both of Berends' home state senators, Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer.

The State Security Service (SSS) has confiscated Berends' passport, telephone, equipment and film and continues to interrogate the filmmaker under charges of spying. Berends entered the country legally in April, 2008. Here's how you can take action including how to contact Senators Clinton and Schumer.