Ransom demand made for abducted Alberta reporter

Kidnappers who abducted Alberta freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout in Somalia are demanding $2.5 million US for her release.

Katherine Borlongan, executive director of Reporters Without Borders in Montreal, confirmed the ransom demand on Monday.

Lindhout, who grew up in Red Deer, Alta., was abducted on Aug. 23 near Mogadishu, along with an Australian photojournalist, a Somali reporter who served as their translator, and a Somali driver. She is normally based in Baghdad.

Borlongan said her group has received independent confirmation that the kidnappers are seeking the ransom for the return of all four captives.

Leo Vincent, the head of the organization's Africa desk, said he is relieved the kidnapping wasn't political.

"It seems like it's one of these numerous freelance militias who roam around southern Somalia looking basically for money for their own expenses — for fuel, for ammunition, for food, for clothes, for TVs and electronic equipment."

Vincent said the fact that it isn't a political kidnapping will make it easier to negotiate.

"If they were in the hands of a political group, given the very complex situation of the political landscape in Somalia, it would be very difficult to satisfy their demands."

If past cases are any indication, the hostages will likely be treated well by their kidnappers because they are considered a "very valuable treasure," he said.

The Lindhout family is doing as well as can be expected, said Bob Mills, a friend of the family and the MP for Red Deer.

"They sort of know that things are progressing and obviously keeping it low key is the important thing at this point," said Mills. "The family is very pleased with how it's being handled and they're doing fine."

Somalia has been without an effective central government since 1991, when the former dictator Siad Barre was overthrown by warlords.