Yemeni Journalist Joins Campaign for Kidnapped Couple

In a video posted online more than two weeks ago, kidnapped Dutch journalist Judith Spiegel and husband Boudewijn Berendsen appealed to the public for their release.

Spiegel, a journalist for RNW, and Berendsen were kidnapped in June in Yemen.

Prominent Yemeni journalist Abdel Elah Shaye has recently asserted his support for the victims. Shaye was imprisoned for nearly three years after publication of his reports after the al-Majalah bombing.

In a speech to commemorate his release from prison, Shaye promised to support the campaign to free journalist Judith Spiegel, saying he understands the situation Spiegel and her partner are going through.

Other important names have already voiced out their support. Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakul Karman expressed her revulsion at the abduction, which she says is greatly destructive for Yemen’s name. She called Judith and Boudewijn ‘lovers of Yemen.'

Furthermore, a wide campaign alliance of Yemeni journalist organizations and human rights groups is keenly campaigning for the freedom of the two victims.

Source: Radio Netherlands Worldwide