Two foreign journalists released after 15 months as hostages

Reporters Without Borders is “extremely relieved” to learn that Canadian freelance reporter Amanda Lindhout and Australian freelance photographer Nigel Brennan were released today in Mogadishu. “This fortunate outcome ends a cruel ordeal for Lindhout and Brennan, who were held hostage for 15 months in very tough conditions,” Reporters Without Borders said. “They are still in the Somali capital but we hope they will be reunited with their families without delay.” The press freedom organisation added: “We salute the efforts of all those in Somalia and elsewhere who helped to achieve their release.” Lindhout and Brennan were kidnapped by a group of gunmen on 23 August 2008 as they were returning to Mogadishu from a refugee camp at Afgoye, 20 km west of the capital. More information on NUSOJ website. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is Reporters Without Borders' partner organization in Somalia. Lindhout gave a telephone interview to the Canadian television station CTV after her release. Read what she told CTV on the Free Amanda Lindhout website.