ID :
16875
Sun, 08/24/2008 - 23:03
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/16875
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Fears Qld journalist abducted in Somalia
(AAP) The family of Australian freelance journalist Nigel Brennan say they are deeply concerned following reports he was taken at gunpoint by unknown assailants outside the Somalian capital Mogadishu.
The Australian High Commission in Nairobi is urgently investigating reports the 35-year-old Brisbane-based freelance photographer was kidnapped on Saturday alongwith a female Canadian journalist.
In a statement issued through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) the Brennan family said "we are deeply concerned that our son Nigel Brennan may havegone missing near Mogadishu in Somalia (on Saturday)".
"He is a freelance photographer who arrived in Kenya just over a week ago.
"We understand that the Australian government is making urgent contact with relevant Somalian authorities as well as the Canadian, French and British embassies to helplocate Nigel.
"This is a difficult time for our family and we ask everyone to respect our privacy." A statement from DFAT said the Australian High Commissioner had made contact with Somali authorities to seek further information about the incident and to confirm thewelfare of Mr Brennan.
"We are awaiting advice from the Somali government," a spokeswoman said.
"We are also in contact with foreign governments with interests in Somalia to seek their cooperation and assistance." Australian Federal Police and DFAT staff will be sent from Pretoria to assist theHigh Commission in handling the matter.
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The Australian High Commission in Nairobi is urgently investigating reports the 35-year-old Brisbane-based freelance photographer was kidnapped on Saturday alongwith a female Canadian journalist.
In a statement issued through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) the Brennan family said "we are deeply concerned that our son Nigel Brennan may havegone missing near Mogadishu in Somalia (on Saturday)".
"He is a freelance photographer who arrived in Kenya just over a week ago.
"We understand that the Australian government is making urgent contact with relevant Somalian authorities as well as the Canadian, French and British embassies to helplocate Nigel.
"This is a difficult time for our family and we ask everyone to respect our privacy." A statement from DFAT said the Australian High Commissioner had made contact with Somali authorities to seek further information about the incident and to confirm thewelfare of Mr Brennan.
"We are awaiting advice from the Somali government," a spokeswoman said.
"We are also in contact with foreign governments with interests in Somalia to seek their cooperation and assistance." Australian Federal Police and DFAT staff will be sent from Pretoria to assist theHigh Commission in handling the matter.
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