International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
25 November 2009
Alert
CJFE welcomes release of Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian Nigel Brennan
Incident details
Release
Amanda Lindhout, JournalistNigel Brennan, Photographer
The two are in a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Few details have emerged on how their release was secured. But Lindhout has said that a ransom was paid to the kidnappers by the journalists' parents.
In a telephone interview Lindhout said that negotiations between her kidnappers and the Somalia government have been going on for the last two weeks.
The journalists were kidnapped in Somalia on August 23, 2008. Lindhout reports that she was held in solitary confinement with no light, no windows with very little food in deplorable conditions and was subjected to beatings and torture.
"It's wonderful to hear that the long ordeal is over - the longest period of captivity for a Canadian journalist," says Arnold Amber, CJFE President. "We look forward to having her back home in Canada."
CJFE has been closely monitoring the case and led a campaign which was supported by over 1000 Canadians, calling on the Canadian government to redouble its efforts to secure the journalists' release.
Source:
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
PO Box 407
555 Richmond St. W., Suite 1101
Toronto, ON M5V 3B1
Canada
cjfe @ cjfe.org
Phone: +1 416 515 9622
Fax: +1 416 515 7879
From other IFEX members
Two foreign journalists released after 15 months as hostages (RSF)Joy at journalists' release after fifteen months of being held hostage (NUSOJ)
IFJ welcomes release of journalists held for 15 months in Somalia (IFJ)
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