Brother of Lebanese Reporter Released by Abductors
The brother of a Lebanese journalist, who was kidnapped last week in the eastern Bekaa Valley, was released overnight after the mediation of General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim.
The abductors of Khodr Farouq Darwish, whose car was found in Baalbek's al-Taybeh last Friday, had called his family and asked for a $135,000 ransom.
He is the brother of LBCI's reporter in the eastern city of Zahle Nayef Darwish.
Reports said the kidnappers handed over the abductee to Sheikh Rida al-Masri in the town of Hawr Taala at dawn Wednesday.
The state-run National News Agency said ransom was not paid but reports said that Darwish was set free after coming under pressure by certain political parties.
Kidnappings in return for ransom have risen more than seven-fold in an unlikely knock-on effect from Syria's civil war. Security officials say gangs who once made their money smuggling fuel and contraband through the porous Syria-Lebanon border have watched their trade wither because of the violence, so they are turning to kidnapping to make a profit.
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If hezbullah really cares about the state and supports the military and security agencies, it should hand over those criminals among its ranks without further delay. Typically, these criminals are members of HA and enjoy political and paramilitary cover.
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These criminals remain free and enjoy HA support and will continue to carry out abductions. When you have weapons you can do what you please.
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Have you all noticed none of HA supports had made a comment or defended them here? aklo hawa this time - HAHAHA LOL
"It was not clear if a ransom was paid but reports said Darwish was set free after coming under pressure by certain political parties."
I wonder which political party supports these abductors and can apply political pressure on them. Let me see: Al Taybeh in eastern Baalbeck, Sheikh Rida Al Masri in the town of Hawr Taala, and the General Security was involved in the release. I can only conclude it is hezbollah and its "environment".
Strange though the kidnappers are able to hand over the hostages as always but are never caught. We are afraid of ISIL but we have a worse enemy among us.