A collections of timelines relating to journalists and media workers in danger.
Created by frontlineclub on 22/02/2009
Last updated: 12/03/10 at 09:12
Tags: journalism Somalia Amanda Lindhout Nigel Brennan Mogadishu media kidnap press freedom
"He even thought we could send a cruise missile to his mobile number,"
http://www.news.com.au/national/how-nigel-brennan-was-released-from-somalia-hell/story-e6frfkvr-1225809872207
An Australian journalist held hostage in Somalia for 15 months admitted today he should not have risked being in the country in the first place. But, he insisted, he was there for the right reasons.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article6949636.ece
Associated Somali Journalists urges the Somali government to bring before the justice, the members of the parliament who are connected to the abduction of two journalists Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan from August 23, 2008 to November 25, 2009.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=14428&tirsan=3
“She was eager to make a name for herself, and I don’t say that as a negative,” Mr. Draper said. “But a lot of the early and intermediate steps one does to become a journalist, she bypassed. Amanda was very eager to go where the action was.”
Mr. Draper said that Ms. Lindhout took several precautions, including hiring a local adviser, or so-called fixer. She also listened to advice from the adviser as well as one retained by National Geographic as they repeatedly rejected successive travel plans as excessively dangerous.
But Mr. Draper said it was apparent that Ms. Lindhout’s excursion had lacked the degree of planning he had undertaken along with a photographer for the magazine, Pascal Maitre. Her limited finances also restricted the number of armed guards she was able to hire. Journalists from large news organizations will hire up to 10 gunmen, a private army of sorts, at a total cost of $300 to $1,000 a day.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/business/media/30somalia.html?_r=1
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/11/freed-from-somalia.html
"I'm so happy to be free; it feels like a dream," Canadian Amanda Lindhout said. Her Australian colleague Nigel Brennan said he was still "in shock".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8380474.stm
Official government silence surrounds the status of negotiations seeking the release of an Australian and Canadian journalist taken hostage almost 15 months ago in Somalia.
http://www20.sbs.com.au/podcasting/index.php?action=feeddetails&feedid=12&id=56217
Public pressure is growing on the Canadian government to free two journalists who were abducted in Somalia more than a year ago.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/09/2737024.htm?section=justin
A group of five Canadian media organisations have banded together to petition the Canadian government and help raise awareness of the kidnap of freelance journalists Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan in Somalia over one year ago,
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/10/petition-to-release-journalists-held-in-somalia.html
A Canadian freelance journalist kidnapped more than a year ago in war-ravaged Somalia has been moved by her captors to an even more remote location, say two organizations following the case.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2124762
One year ago today, freelance journalists Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan were kidnapped on the outskirts of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The duo are reportedly being held in poor conditions, are in bad health and there is no indication that a release date is any closer one year on. Their Somali colleagues were released in January, 2009. The parents of the two journalists have released a joint statement to mark the one year anniversary,
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/08/amanda-lindhout-and-nigel-brennan-still-kidnapped-one-year-on.html
For 12 months come Sunday, Amanda Lindhout, 28, of Sylvan Lake, Alta., has survived in captivity somewhere in the African country. There have been death threats, fluctuating ransom demands, lurid speculation about her situation and heart-wrenching pleas to television stations for help from the abducted woman.
Through it all, her family have not spoken for fear they might make her situation worse.
In their first statement since the ordeal began, the Lindhout family issued a joint statement with relatives of Nigel Brennan, the Australian photographer who was captured with Lindhout.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1918127
"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.”
http://www.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=34260
Sunday marks one year since freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout, 28, of Sylvan Lake, and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan, 38, were abducted at gunpoint near Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, as they worked on a news story about a refugee camp. Three Somalian natives travelling with the pair were released 146 days after also being abducted.
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Where_is_Amanda_Lindhout_53688272.html
One year after she was snatched off a Somalian roadside at gunpoint, Alberta-born journalist Amanda Lindhout remains held by her captors.
http://insidesomalia.org/200908211959/News/Media-Technology/Somalia-Canadian-journalist-still-captive-one-year-later.html
Now what about Amanda Lindhout? It seems this freelance journalist from Alberta, who has been held captive in Somalia since last August, has also been forgotten by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon and his bungling aides in the High Commission. It makes me ashamed to be Canadian. Other countries send in armed troups to rescue their citizens. Canada confiscates their passports. Please do a story on Amanda's case. Maybe with all the heat on the subject, the government will respond.
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/681998
I n the wake of Bill Clinton's successful negotiations with the government of North Korea, which resulted in the freeing of two American journalists, some people have been calling for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to go to Somalia and intervene on behalf of kidnapped Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Lindhout+plight+tragic+politician/1887778/story.html
ACTOR Anthony LaPaglia has called on the Federal Government to send elite SAS troops into Somalia in a bid to free kidnapped Australian photographer Nigel Brennan.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,25900445-10388,00.html?FORM=ZZNR5
The same week, a woman claiming to be Sylvan Lake native Amanda Lindhout placed a distress call to a Canadian television station pleading for her government to pay a $1-million ransom, while a Somali news agency reported she gave birth, is happily married to one of her captors and is now a devout Muslim.
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/local/article/276719--be-wary-of-reports-on-lindhout-watchdog
Freelance reporter kidnapped in Somalia last year had been living spirited, risky lifestyle.
John Goddard
Staff Reporter
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/645338
A Somali journalist kidnapped alongside Canadian freelancer Amanda Lindhout last August says he communicated with her daily through sign language during his captivity and she was in good health when he last saw her before his release earlier this year.
Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, who was taken near Mogadishu by gunmen along with 27-year-old Ms. Lindhout and 37-year-old Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan, had previously told reporters that he was blindfolded and immediately separated from the pair, who were being held for ransom, and had no information regarding their whereabouts or well-being.
But Mr. Elmi now says that before being released, he and two Somali colleagues were threatened and instructed on what to say once freed.
"They said to us, 'You have to say these words,' " said Mr. Elmi, who recently fled Somalia for Nairobi. " 'If you say another word, we will damage your family,' they said."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090518.LINDHOUT18ART2119/TPStory/International
Efforts continue to free Lindhout
By Lana Michelin - Red Deer Advocate
Published: April 17, 2009 6:57 AM
0 Comments
There’s nothing new, officially, on the status of kidnapped Central Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout — although the Internet continues to circulate troubling rumours.
The latest unsubstantiated report from the Jijad Watch: Somalia website quotes unnamed sources alleging that Lindhout had been abused by her abductors.
Federal Foreign Affairs spokesman Andre Lemay would only say on Thursday that the government is aware of different media reports and will continue to pursue all appropriate channels to seek further information about Lindhout’s welfare.
“We will not comment or release any information which may compromise these efforts and jeopardize the safety of a Canadian or other citizen,” he said, reiterating the department’s standard position.
Lindhout, a freelancer, had been providing stories to the Advocate from Iraq and Africa. Her father Jon Lindhout lives in Sylvan Lake and her mother, Lorinda Stewart, lives in B.C.
Foreign Affairs has been trying to assist the Lindhout family in securing the journalist’s safe release, as well as that of Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan, since the pair were abducted eight months ago.
Former Red Deer MP Bob Mills, who has acted as a spokesman for the Lindhout family, hadn’t heard about the alleged abuse, and said he can only hope this report is false.
In the past, hostages held for ransom by Somali abductors have been treated humanely because the objective has always been about getting money, said Mills, who has doubted previous Internet rumours.
Lindhout and Brennan were abducted at gunpoint on Aug. 23 between Mogadishu and a refugee camp in Afgoye. The kidnappers soon demanded a ransom of $2.5 million. They also captured a Somali comrade who was with them, but he has since been released unharmed.
Jihad Watch also claimed Lindhout and Brennan had briefly escaped from the house in which they were being held in Mogadishu’s Suqa Holaha neighbourhood, fleeing to a nearby mosque, where they were recaptured. But Mills said no one was able to substantiate this story.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton-based Alberta Somali Community Association has considered putting Lindhout’s continued captivity on the agenda for a May 10 town hall meeting being planned to publicize the plight of Bashir Makhtal. The Ontarian, of Ethiopian descent, has been jailed in Ethiopia for the past two years on allegations of terrorism, but has never been charged.
Mahamad Accord, executive director of the association, said he first wants an OK from Lindhout’s family, as he wouldn’t want to further jeopardize the journalist.
Lindhout’s parents have not publicly commented on the abduction on the advice of Foreign Affairs. And Mills doubts they would approve of the Somali association taking up her cause.
“The family is happy with what Foreign Affairs is doing.”
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Efforts_continue_to_free_Lindhout_43172837.html
Sources say the Canadian journalist Amanda and an Australian photojournalist are being held by the militia in the northeastern neighbourhood of Suqa Holaha neighborhood in Mogadishu.
The abductors have demanded $2.5 million of ransom from the two journalists to release.
Amanda and the Australian photojournalist once escaped from a house in Suqa Holaha neighnourhood and entered a mosque near by, but they were recaptured again.
The militia who kidnapped the journalists claims they are al-shabab Islamists. Some reports suggest that one the abductors made Amanda as his wife.
The journalists were kidnapped between the Afgoye district and the capital city with their Somali photojournalist, Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, who was acting as a translator for the two in September 2008, but Abdifitah was released after 5 months.
Abdiftah said that he did not see Amanda and colleague since the militia abducted them.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=11380&tirsan=3&PHPSESSID=c1c2fe04bda7b8236ace8d189b4df9d9
The Somalian group that first revealed a lower ransom demand for kidnapped Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout claims it is working on her "unconditional" release.
Lindhout, originally from Sylvan Lake, and Australian colleague Nigel Brennan were grabbed by gunmen last August 23rd.
In the weeks after the kidnapping, there was a ransom demand for two and a half million dollars but the Somali Journalists Rights Agency later reported it was reduced to 100-thousand dollars.
The agency's executive director, Daud Abdi Daud, says in an e-mail to iNews 880: "SOJRA is pleased to inform you that it has paved a possible way that the two journalists can get back to their freedom without condition...On behalf of SOJRA we can expect a positive outcome to this way which is using the government ministers particularly those who from the Clan of the kidnappers".
No time line is given and as with all previous claims about the well being of Lindhout and Brennan in Somalia, this claim can not be independently verified.
http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1071490
In August, Somali gunmen grabbed two journalists — Canadian Amanda Lindhout (pictured) and Aussie Nigel Brennan — while the two were traveling to report on refugees outside Mogadishu. Aside from a brief video that surfaced last year, the two have not been seen or heard from, by reliable witnesses.
Information has been sketchy. My sources in Mogadishu reported different locations for the captives, perhaps because the kidnappers kept moving them, or perhaps because no one really knew for sure. In February, one Somalia group claimed that Lindhout and Brennan had briefly escaped, only to be recaptured. That claim has been challenged. Two weeks ago, a group insisted that the reporters’ release was imminent — but nothing happened.
I don’t know what to believe. And so it is with great reluctance that I pass along the latest information from my Somali sources. I have sat on this for a couple weeks, hoping for outside verification, but that has proved impossible. This information comes from a source I’ve grown to trust. Still, I advise my readers to be very, very skeptical.
Lindhout is pregnant.
At least that’s what I’m told.
http://warisboring.com/?p=1868
The Somalian group that first revealed a lower ransom demand for kidnapped Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout claims it is working on her "unconditional" release.
Lindhout, originally from Sylvan Lake, and Australian colleague Nigel Brennan were grabbed by gunmen last August 23rd.
In the weeks after the kidnapping, there was a ransom demand for two and a half million dollars but the Somali Journalists Rights Agency later reported it was reduced to 100-thousand dollars.
The agency's executive director, Daud Abdi Daud, says in an e-mail to iNews 880: "SOJRA is pleased to inform you that it has paved a possible way that the two journalists can get back to their freedom without condition...On behalf of SOJRA we can expect a positive outcome to this way which is using the government ministers particularly those who from the Clan of the kidnappers".
No time line is given and as with all previous claims about the well being of Lindhout and Brennan in Somalia, this claim can not be independently verified.
http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1071490
Six months after she was kidnapped in Somalia, there is a glimmer of hope former Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout MAY be released soon.
Lindhout, originally from Sylvan Lake, and Australian Nigel Brennan were grabbed by gunmen on August 23rd and there has been little reliable news about them ever since.
Now, with a Canadian citizen, Ali Sharmarke, chosen as President of Somalia's new National Unity Government, pressure may be put on the kidnappers to free the pair.
Daud Abdi Daud of the Somali Journalists Rights Agency tells iNews880 he met for two hours this week with the new Minister of Information in nearby Nairobi, Kenya.
Daud says he received assurances that the National Unity Government of Somalia will push for the release of Lindhout and Brennan and several foreign aid workers.
http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1066101
Six months ago today the first reports came in of the kidnap of Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout, freelance photographer Nigel Brennan and their fixers and driver. The team were reportedly abducted just outside Mogadishu. The fixer and driver were subsequently released, but Lindhout and Brennan remain hostage.
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/02/six-months-and-counting.html
Six months after Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout was kidnapped in Somalia, there is no news of her fate, an international advocacy group for journalists says.
Lindhout, a 27-year-old native of Red Deer, and Australian freelance photographer Nigel Brennan, 37, were abducted on Aug. 23 reportedly as they were on their way to a refugee camp near the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Leonard Vincent, spokesman for Reporters Without Borders — a Paris-based advocacy group that works to protect the safety of journalists — said Monday his organization is monitoring the situation, but had no news from their contacts in Somalia or neighbouring Kenya.
"[Lindhout and Brennan] are regularly transferred from one place to another, and they are in the hands of the same group that has the same demands," he said. "It's purely financial and apparently no settlement has been found yet."
Freelancers don't have 'big money' behind them
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $2.5 million US by Oct. 28.
"The fact that she was a freelancer is making things more complicated, maybe because the kidnappers understand they – the hostages – don't have big media behind them so there is no big money," Vincent said.
The political and military climate in Somali has become more unstable since the kidnapping, he said.
"They were kidnapped in a situation — in a moment in the history of Mogadishu — when it was easier to just get a ransom and release them," he said. "I think they are just having, as we say in France, a hot potato on their hands, and it's very difficult to get a settlement in this specific moment, because not only do you have to agree on the money, but also have to agree on the scenario of the release."
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/02/23/cgy-lindhout-somalia.html
OTTAWA, Feb. 23 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists urges the
prime minister to redouble efforts to secure the release of Canadian
journalists kidnapped abroad.
Today marks six months to the day since Amanda Lindhout was abducted in
Somalia and more than three months since Khadija Abdul Qahaar was taken on the
Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
"Every day that Amanda Lindhout and Khadija Abdul Qahaar remain missing
is another day that their lives are in grave danger, and another day of
distress for their families, friends and colleagues," said CAJ president Mary
Agnes Welch.
"We once again call on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to focus his
undivided attention and all resources possible on finding and rescuing Amanda
and Khadija," Welch said.
Lindhout was abducted in Somalia on Aug. 23, 2008, along with Australian
photographer Nigel Brennan who is also still missing. Lindhout's kidnappers
threatened to kill her unless a ransom was paid by Oct. 28, a deadline that
passed with no word from her captors. One month ago, on Jan. 23, her
kidnappers reportedly lowered their ransom demand.
Qahaar was reported to have been seized at gunpoint on Nov. 11, 2008. She
had noted on Oct. 22 that she had serious concerns about that possibility.
The CAJ's upcoming conference and annual general meeting in Vancouver,
May 22-24, will include sessions on specialized training for journalists
covering conflict zones, being properly prepared for the demands of difficult
beats and traumatic stress.
The Canadian Association of Journalists is Canada's largest professional
organization for journalists from all media, with about 1,400 members across
the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional
development for its members and public-interest advocacy.
http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1702232996&view=42015-0&Start=0
CNN International talk to Colin Freeman and José Cendón about their kidnap ordeal in Somalia. The duo were kidnapped on November 26, 2008 and held for some six weeks. The pair don't appear to have feared for their lives and seem remarkedly relaxed about their experience, although it seems unlikely they'll be heading back to that particular part of the Horn of Africa any time soon. No word has been made of any ransom payments in the case
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/02/kidnapped-in-somalia.html
Daud Abdi Daud, the General Secretary of the Somali Journalists Rights Agency (SOJRA), defends the report earlier this week of a possible escape attempt by kidnap victims Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan. The report was quickly dismissed by the Paris-based Reporters without borders,
"I think [Reporters without borders] mean somebody in France can be more reliable than somebody who could hear the sounds of the bullets fired at the two journalists at that particular day. If we reported about what we witnessed, will it mean that we are connected to the kidnappers, or a person who is in a luxury hotel in Paris is more reliable than us?" [said Daud Abdi Daud]
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/02/somalia-kidnap-row.html
From $2.5 million to $100,000 - that's the reduction in the ransom demand for the release of Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan according to Canwest today. The duo were kidnapped in Somalia in August, 2008,
"Now they want $100,000," [said Dad Abdi Daud, executive director of Mogadishu-based Somali Journalists Rights Agency], in a telephone interview Friday with Canwest News Service. "You can see the difference.
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/01/somalia-ransom-now-100000.html
Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi, who was kidnapped along with Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan in August 2008, has been released along with, Marwali, the driver,
"We have been released and we are free now after 177 days of ordeal, but our two foreign journalists are still hostages" Elmi told Agence France-Press.
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/01/journalist-and-driver-released-in-somalia.html
"The two journalists are free after their ordeals," said the head of Puntland police, Abdullahi Said Samatar. "They're taking some rest now and they will be available later. I'm happy to see them recovering their freedom."
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/01/somalia-kidnap-victims-colin-freeman-and-jose-cendon-are-free.html
"What we can confirm is they are fine, in the same place and in the hands of the same group." [said Leonard Vincent, Africa desk chief of Paris-based Reporters without Borders]
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=9caf10a6-588f-4347-9710-ec0c6a5f9e7a
Colin Freeman, a journalist with the Daily Telegraph and freelance photographer Jose Cendon are kidnapped while reporting on piracy in Bosasso.
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2009/01/somalia-kidnap-victims-colin-freeman-and-jose-cendon-are-free.html
The 15-day deadline to pay a $2.5-million ransom or else a kidnapped Canadian journalist would be killed has expired with no news about her status or her fellow captives.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v5/content/subscribe?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20081029.NATS29-1%2FTPStory%2FNational&ord=47433581&brand=theglobeandmail&force_login=true
The father of a Somali man - who was taken alongside freelance reporter Amanda Lindhout from Alberta and an Australian photojournalist - says the three are being poorly treated. According to the African Press Agency, Mohamed Elmi Dhere gave a news conference in Mogadishu, Somalia, to urge the release of his son, Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, and the two others. The agency reported that the father is receiving updates on the condition of the three and he is concerned. "I was told that my son and his colleagues are unwell and have been mistreated," Dhere was quoted as saying by the Chinese Xinhua News Agency. "They need medication and their freedom," he said.
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=f8cbb569-a9e3-4bac-91e4-86b67fc00e62
Leonard Vincent, who works for the Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders, said the hostage-takers are simply trying to get the attention of Canadian and Australian authorities. “This shows that they are very nervous and that they are starting to get impatient,” he said. “The bills are piling up. This kidnapping is starting to cost them a lot of money. So they are urging for a quick settlement and a quick agreement.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081015.ransom15/BNStory/International/home
Press TV Iran report the journalists will be killed within 15 days if the ransom of $2.5 million is not paid.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=72081§ionid=351020501
“None of the Somali community has stood up and said that this is unfair, to take hostage a Canadian citizen,” Issa told the Straight. “It is shameful for us Somalis in North America to see this.”
http://www.straight.com/article-164226/somali-canadians-should-stand-abducted-journalist-amanda-lindhout
"It's usual that information doesn't leak whenever there are negotiations," Leonard Vincent said. "My take, from my expertise - negotiations have started again. Something is in the process."
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=c51eafaf-ea00-43b2-abb6-1813ca3a1a94
"We are kindly requesting Skeikh Yusuf Mohamed Siad "Indha Adde" and his group to release the Journalists immediately with out condition as they respect the International Declaration of the Human Rights" said Daud Abdi Daud SOJRA's Executive Director.," We tried our efforts how to release the detained Journalists, as we brought together delegates from Aiyr Clan and authorities from Canadian high commissioner in Nairobi and other delegates from Australia in order to discuss how to release the detained journalists with out condition. And they met two times" he added.
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/people/SOJRA/200809/1524/
"We are kindly requesting Skeikh Yusuf Mohamed Siad "Indha Adde" and his group to release the Journalists immediately with out condition as they respect the International Declaration of the Human Rights" said Daud Abdi Daud SOJRA's Executive Director.," We tried our efforts how to release the detained Journalists, as we brought together delegates from Aiyr Clan and authorities from Canadian high commissioner in Nairobi and other delegates from Australia in order to discuss how to release the detained journalists with out condition. And they met two times" he added.
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/people/SOJRA/200809/1524/
The video showed Mr Brennan and Ms Lindhout, wearing an Islamic robe, along with armed Islamic militants. Ms Lindhout was speaking to camera but the tape's audio was not aired. Al Jazeera said the kidnappers, calling themselves Mujahideen of Somalia, accused Canada and Australia of "taking part in the destruction of Somalia" and demanded that they review their policies towards the African country.
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2008/09/somalia-kidnap-journalists-in-al-jazeera-video.html
AUSTRALIAN authorities are investigating video footage reported to be of Australian journalist Nigel Brennan and a Canadian companion kidnapped in Somalia.
The footage, showing 35-year-old Mr Brennan, Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout, 27, and their translator and guide, Somali reporter Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, has been aired on Al Jazeera television, Reuters reported.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24362499-38195,00.html
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the footage was being investigated. "We are aware that a video has been broadcast claiming to include footage of two journalists held captive in Somalia," DFAT said in a statement. "Relevant Australian agencies are currently assessing the footage."
http://www.watoday.com.au/world/dfat-checking-kidnapped-australian-appears-in-tv-footage-20080917-4ij2.html
Lindhout's cousin, Angie Stewart, said she has grown frustrated with wading through information in the media, some of which has turned out to be false. "To date, I have received so much conflicting information, it all depends what source I'm looking at as to which variety of the 'truth' I'm getting," the Red Deer resident said in an e-mail to Sun Media.
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2008/09/09/6707461-sun.html
"The kidnappers demanded 2.5 million dollars and we are trying to secure their release,'' said Dahir Farah, who has been participating in negotiations to free the three abducted in Somalia last month. Another person claiming to be an intermediary for the kidnappers spoke of the same ransom demand. He also allowed two people claiming to be the foreign journalists to speak briefly to news wire services. "I'm Amanda, the Canadian journalist. Our health situation is very well for the time being,'' Amanda Lindhout, a freelance foreign correspondent from the western Canadian province of Alberta, purportedly said. A man claiming to be Nigel Geoffrey Brennan, an Australian photographer, said: "We are very well now mentally and physically."
http://frontlineclub.com/blogs/frontline/2008/08/foreign-journalists-abducted-in-somalia.html
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