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Desperate cries for freedom – Metro US

Desperate cries for freedom

She’s sick and will surely die unless the Canadian government attempts to free her, the pleading voice of a woman claiming to be kidnapped Alberta journalist Amanda Lindhout told a television station Monday.

“There’s no one to take care of me here. I’m afraid I will die if I don’t get help soon. I don’t know how much longer I can bear this,” she said to Omni TV on Monday.

“My government must have some duty to help me. I love my country and I want to return. I’m begging my government to please come to my aid.”

The 28-year-old Sylvan Lake native and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan were captured near the Somalian capital on Aug. 23, 2008.

Her captors are reportedly asking for $1 million to ensure her release.

“The men that are holding me are very serious. They say if the ransom is not paid, they’re going to kill me,” she said.

Canadian Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Emma Welford said federal officials are aware of the call, but wouldn’t comment on efforts in place to free Lindhout.

Somali Journalists’ Rights Agency spokesman Daud Abdi Daud said the move maybe a sign her captors are growing frustrated with inaction by the Canadian government.

“The kidnappers want their money and they’re pushing these two journalists to get it,” he said.

This isn’t the first time Lindhout has made a plea for her rescue. Back on June 11, the frail-looking journalist pleaded for the Canadian government to help.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists says Somalia is “the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, outstripping Iraq in 2009.”

The last killing was that of journalist Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf in July.