Pirates, Ransoms & News Blackouts: The Chandlers' Release
| 17:10 UK time, Sunday, 14 November 2010
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The Chandlers have been released by Somali pirates after a year of captivity.
Here's what UK Prime Minister David Cameron had to say
Paul and Rachel Chandler's release is tremendous news. Their long captivity is over at last. I unreservedly condemn the actions of those that held the Chandlers for so long. Kidnapping is never justified.
Not all of you agree, in past programmes some of you have called the Somali pirates 'heroes', young men trying to make a living in a failed state. How would you describe the kidnappers and the Chandlers' release?
Also with kidnappings comes the issue of ransoms. Unconfirmed reports suggest a ransom was paid.
Here's a little from the family's statement .
The family believes it would be irresponsible to discuss any aspect of the release process as this could encourage others to capture private individuals and demand large ransom payments, something that we are sure none of us wants.
And a little of the reaction online on this point:
Marlyn posts on the British Democracy Forum
I am happy this aged couple are alive & free. The Somali pirates have just been awarded yet more money though, and will thus continue on with this lucrative piracy
Blogger Ellee Seymour had this to say:
Can you blame them for paying? I don't. Of course, you want to save the lives of your loved ones
The UK couple have just arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ observed the terms of an injunction obtained by the Chandlers' family which was intended to stop news organisations reporting their release until they were out of Somalia - for their own safety.
Here's ´óÏó´«Ã½ editor Jon Williams explaining why the ´óÏó´«Ã½ stayed silent on the Chandlers.
Some months ago, the family of Paul and Rachel Chandler sought what is known as a "super-injunction", prohibiting the media from reporting any developments in their case.Lawyers for the family argued that speculation about their health, about any possible ransom and on the negotiations about their release might prolong their captivity. The injunction was designed to protect the safety of the Chandlers - and prevented us from referring even to its existence
Do you agree with news blackouts? What do you consider responsible actions by the news media in a case like this?
On any of the above points please post your opinion below.
