Amanda Lindhout kidnapping: RCMP arrest Somali man
Somali national arrested in Ottawa, faces criminal charges for his purported role as a negotiator
The RCMP have arrested and charged a Somali man in connection with the hostage-taking of Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout.
Lindhout, who now lives in Canmore, AB., and fellow journalist Nigel Brennan were seized in Mogadishu, Somalia, in August 2008. Both were released on Nov. 25, 2009.
The Mounties say Ali Omar Ader, a Somali national, faces criminal charges of hostage-taking for his purported role as a negotiator. He was arrested Thursday in Ottawa. The RCMP say the suspect had been in Canada for a few days but the national police force did not reveal how he arrived in Canada.
Ader was expected to make a court appearance Friday.
Calls to Lindhout from CBC have not been returned. Her publicist says she is not available for interviews today.
Lindhout has published a best-selling memoir of her ordeal, in which she reveals being sexually assaulted in captivity.
RCMP Asst. Commissioner James Malizia lauded Lindhout, Brennan and their families for their courage and for providing witness statements that assisted in advancing the investigation.
"This arrest is a testament to the investigative team's perseverance and I wish to thank them for their excellent work," Malizia said in a statement. The Mounties noted the police force's mandate extends beyond Canada's borders, where the extra-territorial provisions of the Criminal Code come into effect.
The RCMP acknowledged the help of the Canada Border Services Agency, Foreign Affairs and the Australian Federal Police throughout the process.
More details to come.