Uh, I hate to spoil the party, but won’t paying kidnappers lead to more kidnapping? Aethelred the Unready Alert from Cyprus: “Iraqi kidnappers release Cypriot after $200,000 ransom payment; Lebanon thanked for securing release,” from Arab Times, with thanks to Twostellas:
NICOSIA, Cyprus (Agencies): A Cypriot man kidnapped in Iraq four months ago has been released after payment of a $200,000 ransom, relatives said Sunday. “This was the greatest present for me. I spoke to him and he is fine,” said his aunt, Rita Medzadourian.
Garabet Jekerjian, 41, who holds both Cypriot and Lebanese citizenship, was kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad in August. It was unclear when he was released. He was released on the same day as six kidnapped employees of Sudan’s embassy in Iraq. His brother, Avo Jekerjian, told The Associated Press that Garabet Jekerjian was released in Baghdad on Saturday afternoon after the family paid a ransom of $200,000 to the kidnappers. He said the company his brother worked for contributed, but would not say how much.