PRESS STATEMENT-9/6/14 SAPIC REQUESTS SFG TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO RELEASE REMAINING HOSTAGES HELD BY PIRACY GROUP.

11 hostages held by armed Somali pirates since 12 November 2010 were freed on Saturday 7th June 2014 in Somalia.
The 11 hostages were released to UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). John Steed, a Maritime Crime Programme official with UNODC confirmed receiving the freed hostages in a text message, “Currently airborne with hostages. The hostages were flown to Kenya awaiting safe transfer to their respective countries.
The hostages showed vivid signs of torture and physical abuse. The crew had nationals from India, Iran, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Despite the release of the 11 hostages, SAPIC highly condemns this act which has not only caused pain and anguish for the victims but has also affected the families of the victims and appeal for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
SAPIC would like to appeal the Somalia Government, local government and regional authorities to intensify their efforts in freeing the remaining hostages and redouble the fight against piracy activities in Somalia.

About SAPIC
Somali Anti-Piracy Information Centre (SAPIC) is a Somalia based community organization that advocates for the ending of piracy on Somali and international waters through community and international engagement.