Olaf Wiig
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Olaf Wiig is a British photojournalist, residing in Sussex, England. He is the husband of well known broadcaster Anita McNaught, a reporter for the BBC, and formerly for Television New Zealand.
Gaza kidnapping
On August 14, 2006, he was kidnapped by gunmen while on assignment in Gaza City, along with Steve Centanni, a Fox News Channel American journalist. A witness saw two vehicles blocking the transmission truck and a masked man put a gun to their bodyguard's head, forcing him to the ground.[1] [2]
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark expressed concern for Wiig's safety and said "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was alerted by British authorities this morning. New Zealand diplomats are travelling to the region to work with other officials and governments on the release of Mr Wiig and his colleague."[3]
An internal message by Fox News Channel Senior Vice President John Moody confirmed the abduction and warned about reporting on the story.[4]
On August 23, the Holy Jihad Brigades claimed responsibility for the kidnappings of both Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig. They demanded the release of all "Muslim prisoners" by the United States within 72 hours. A video was broadcast by Al-Jazeera. No armed men were in the video, and the captives appeared to be in good health. [5][6]
Release
On August 27, the Palestinian news service Ramattan and FOX News reported[7] that Centanni and fellow captive Wiig were released unharmed, shortly after a new video was released. In the video, both journalists appeared in good health and wearing a beige robe and stated that they have converted to Islam, with Centanni stating "Islam is not just meant for some people; it is the true religion for all people at all times."
Centanni also stated "Westerners are following the wrong path, and I hope they realize that and change their ways." Wiig made a statement in which he said that American leaders should "listen to the people" and "take notice of the millions protesting in the streets. Stop hiding behind the 'I don't negotiate with terrorists myth.'"
Centanni stated that he has adopted the Islamic name Halec, while Wiig announced himself Yaco.
It should be noted that no Muslim prisoners were released by the United States, although that was a demand stated by the captors.
Olaf Wiig has since been freed from his kidnappers.
References
- ^ "2 Fox News journalists kidnapped in Gaza". AP. Retrieved August 14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Gunmen kidnap Fox News journalists in Gaza: witness". Reuters. Retrieved August 16.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ PM Regarding Captured New Zealand Cameraman
- ^ "FNCers Kidnapped In Gaza: "Pray For Their Release. I Will Keep You Posted" --Moody". Media Bistro. Retrieved August 16.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "New Group Claims Fox News Kidnappings". Associated Press. Retrieved August 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Gaza militants claim Fox kidnap". BBC. Retrieved August 23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "Kidnapped Fox journalists released". CNN. Retrieved August 27.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)
External links
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