The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is overjoyed by the great news about the release of Canadian and Australian journalists.  

Canadian female journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan were released today (25 November 2009) at 20:40 hrs local time, according to Honourable Ahmed Diriye, MP, who spoke to NUSOJ. The two journalists were taken to heavily guarded Hotel Sahafi in central Mogadishu, where they are staying tonight. They are due to be flown to Nairobi tomorrow morning.

“We welcome the happy end to the tragedy of the kidnapping of Amanda Lindhout and Nigel Brennan,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Four members of the Transitional Federal Parliament led by Ahmed Diriye were handed over the two journalists at Sarkuus checkpoint near Ex-control of Afgoye District, last checkpoint of TFG forces.

“We are very pleased that Amanda and Nigel have been released after all these 15 months of horrible horror.  We are also very happy this ordeal ended peacefully. We are sharing our joy and relief over the release with the family and colleagues of the journalists”, said Omar Faruk.

ENDs.