NUSOJ welcomes release of kidnapped Somali journalist, Calls for Release of two foreign journalists‏

After 146 days of captivity, NUSOJ welcomes release of kidnappedSomali journalist, Calls for Release of two foreign journalists16th. Jan 2009.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes withprofound relief the safe release of Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi after 146days in captivity by kidnappers who abducted him with Canadianjournalist Amanda Lindout and Australian journalist Nigel Brenan on 23August 2008.

Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi, freelance photojournalist, was releasedThursday night, 15 January, with two drivers whose names are Mahad Isse and Marwali, who were with the three journalists when abducted.Abdifatah said that they blindfolded them and then put them infour-wheel drive that brought them in Mogadishu’s Bakara market.

When asked the whereabouts of Amanda and Nigel, Abdifatah told NUSOJthat from the beginning of the kidnapping they were separated andbeing held in two separated places. He stated that he was only beingheld with the two Somali drivers.

“We are very pleased that our colleague Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi wasreleased unhurt and in good health but even as we give a standingovation for this excellent news, we remain tremendously concerned overthe destiny of our colleagues Amanda Lindout and Nigel Brenan,” saidOmar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

“We call upon the transitional government, the alliance ofre-liberation of Somalia and traditional elders to make use of thecurrent political change in the country to secure the safe release ofAmanda and Nigel,” Omar Faruk added.

“Alike Somali journalist,Amanda and Nigel are human being and we demand them releasedimmediately and without ransom, which is deplorable to happen”. --National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is a national unionrepresenting Somali journalists to promote and protect freedom of the pressand the interests and rights of journalists.