Somalis living in Bristol have launched a campaign to raise a multi-million pound ransom to free a British couple being held captive by pirates.
They are calling on all of the UK’s 500,000 Somalis to give £10 each to buy the freedom of Paul and Rachel Chandler.
The couple, from Kent, were captured by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean on October 23 while they were sailing from the Seychelles towards Tanzania.
Reports of the pirates’ demands vary but a figure of $7 million (£4.5 million) is the highest ransom quoted for the release of the couple, who are aged 60 and 56.
The British government has refused to pay a ransom or be involved in any negotiations that include a third party giving money to the pirates.
Earlier this week a video emerged in which the Chandlers said they were being badly treated and were in urgent need of help.
Yesterday members of Bristol’s Somali community launched their fundraising campaign outside the Al Baseera mosque in St Jude’s, after a prayer session.
Community leaders were joined by members of the mosque in unfurling a banner that called for the Chandlers’ release.
It read: “Somali community of Britain appeals for the release of hostages Paul and Rachel and for their safe return to their families.”
Mohamed Omer, 26, a businessman from Easton, has organised the campaign. He said: “We feel sorry for them and hope that the pirates let them go and return them safely to their families.
“We want to let them know the reaction of the Somali community here in Bristol.
“We want to get the Somali communities here in Britain together to raise the ransom money to let them go.
“If the government doesn’t want to pay, the Somali community in Britain will pay.
“There are over half a million Somalis living in the UK.
“If each one gave £10 or £20, that would help release the hostages.”
The campaign was devised in Bristol, and Mr Omer says the plan has the backing of the whole of the city’s Somali community.
He said: “At our Friday prayers we wanted to let people know that we were praying for the hostages.
“We want to give the pirates a message, and tell them to let these people go free.
“This sort of thing has been happening for a while now, where we keep hearing about Somali pirates capturing ships.
“It has happened before, but not like this.
“It used to be tankers and big ships that were attacked, but never making hostages of two people. These are civilians, and they are nothing to do with politics, business or commercial interests.”
Bristol’s Somali elders have been in contact with other community leaders in London and Manchester about the situation.
Kayse Maxamed, editor of the St Paul’s-based community newspaper Somali Voice, has spoken out about the situation on the radio in America and Africa.
Mr Maxamed, 38, from Easton, said: “We would like to say to the families of Paul and Rachel that as a Somali community, we are with you, and we will do whatever we can to support their release.”
Mustafa Mohamod, 33, from Easton, added: “People here are 110 per cent behind getting them back and safe at home.”
People can give money to the appeal through their mosque.
Danish special forces yesterday stormed a ship captured by armed Somali pirates on January 29.
The troops freed the 25 crew on board, the first time a warship has intervened during a hijacking.
Somali pirates have seized three ships this year and hold a total of nine vessels and more than 180 crew.
Source. Thisisbristol.co.cuk
