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Official media blackout on Somali kidnaps
Wed, Nov 11 2009
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.
Both governments are keeping tightlipped about their efforts, due to concerns that any reporting may jeopardise the outcome.
The pair - Australian freelance photographer Nigel Brennan, and Canadian freelance journalist, Amanda Lindhout - were kidnapped in August 2008, as they were working as freelancers near the capital Mogadishu.
There are media reports that the kidnappers initially demanded 2-point-5 million dollars in ransom, which was reduced to one million dollars earlier this year.
Reporters Without Borders is an international group that's concerned with the welfare of journalists.
It's vice-president in Canada, Dennis Trudeau spoke with Caroline Davey.
NOTE: A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman has told World View, the government is doing all it can to secure the release of the Australian hostage.
