Somalia: Ransom story questioned by the family of captives

By ALYSSA NOEL, SUN MEDIA

A relative of Amanda Lindhout is questioning whether reports of a $2.5 million ransom for the journalist and three other captives are true.

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.
Lindhout, a 27-year-old freelance reporter from the Red Deer area, was abducted from just outside the Somali Capital of Mogadishu Aug. 23, along with an Australian photographer and two Somali colleagues. Yesterday, Reporters Without Borders said the organization received independent conformation that the kidnappers are asking for $2.5 million.
After learning reports that said a news wire service had spoken to Lindhout turned out to be unsubstantiated, Stewart said she will remain on guard when reading about new developments.
"It breaks my heart to read about 'Amanda' being heard on a 'news wire service' and yet there is nothing available to me to verify it was even her," she said. "How is this information confirmed prior to release in print or broadcast. I know that our family appreciates all of the encouragement and prayers coming from the public and we really do want Amanda to stay in the news, but let's do that by releasing the truth and confirmed information."

Despite her disappointment, Stewart remains optimistic. "I know Amanda will come home," she said. "I don't know when or how everything will play out, but I believe with all my heart Amanda will come home."
Foreign Affairs would not confirm or deny reports of a ransom demand.
"We are pursuing all appropriate channels to seek further information about Ms. Lindhout's welfare and location," it said in an e-mail.

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