New York, May 26, 2009-- Following a Western news agency report in which
a Canadian and Australian journalist held hostage in war-torn Mogadishu
for nine months complained of poor health and urged their respective
governments to help free them, CPJ issued the following statement today:
"We are alarmed by the reported statements by Amanda Lindhout and Nigel
Brennan that they are sick and being held in harsh condition," said CPJ
deputy director Robert Mahoney. "We call upon the Australian and
Canadian authorities to intensify their efforts to ensure their safe
and timely release."