Friday, January 9, 2009

Canadian journalist kidnapped in Pakistan

Ransom demand for kidnapped Canadian journalist
January 09, 2009
Toronto Star

VANCOUVER – There are reports that the kidnappers of a Canadian freelance journalist taken in Pakistan have made ransom demands.

A Pakistani newspaper reports the kidnappers want the equivalent of about $150,000 and the release of their colleagues from the Bagram jail in Afghanistan in exchange for releasing Beverly Giesbrecht and her translator and guide.

Giesbrecht, also known as Khadija Abdul Qahaar, was taken at gunpoint in November in the Bannu district in northwest Pakistan.

Her long-time friend Glen Cooper says he has hope for her safe return now that there's been a ransom demand.

Cooper is concerned for her safety once the kidnappers learn she has no assets or money and that the Canadian government doesn't pay ransom demands.

Giesbrecht was the publisher of Jihad Unspun, a now defunct website that was critical of the U.S.-led war on terror.

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