Saturday 22 August 2009

Statement by families of two journalists kidnapped in Somalia one year ago

The families of two journalists, Canadian Amanda Lindhout and Australian Nigel Brennan, have released a statement on the eve of the first anniversary tomorrow, August 23, of their kidnapping in Mogadishu, Somalia.
It says: "Together, the two families continue to work tirelessly to secure Nigel's and Amanda's safe release. With little outside support, the families, who have been united as one throughout this horrendous ordeal, continue to do everything and anything to gain the earliest possible release for their loved ones Amanda and Nigel. Our thoughts and all our love are with Amanda and Nigel, today, just as they have been for the past 365 days, and just as they will be until they are safely home with us. In issuing this brief joint statement the families hope that the media will respect their wishes to be left alone during this particularly emotional time."
Lindhout and Brennan were taken hostage by an armed group as they were returning to Mogadishu from Afgoye refugee camp, 20 km west of the Somali capital, on 23 August 2008.
“We are very worried about these two hostages, given the length of their ordeal and the extreme dangers prevailing in Somalia,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We reiterate our support for their families and we hope they will be released without delay.”
Via Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders

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