Arrest in Albertan’s kidnapping
Investigation focused Somalia, but suspect turned up in Canada
OTTAWA — The RCMP investigation into the kidnapping of Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout in Somalia involved undercover operations, wiretaps and other surveillance — much of it in the Horn of Africa nation where the 2008 kidnapping took place.
But the first arrest — when it came — was not in Somalia but Ottawa after a man police described as a major figure in the kidnapping travelled right to the city in which the police agency tracking him is headquartered.
The RCMP announced the arrest of Ali Omar Ader Friday morning. Assistant commissioner James Malizia described Ader as “one of the main negotiators” for the Islamist group that seized Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan in August of 2008.
Ader came to Canada a few days ago — the Mounties won’t say how or why — and was arrested Thursday. A source said he was picked up at the Ottawa International Airport.
Ader made a brief appearance by video from the courthouse cellblock Friday morning. He will be back in court next Friday.
His lawyer, Samir Adam, said it’s too early to comment on the hostage-taking charge. He wouldn’t say whether his client is married or has children, or whether he has a job.
The court file alleges Ader, who turns 38 next month, detained Lindhout to “induce a member or members of her family to pay or cause to pay a ransom.” It lists Ader’s home as Mogadishu, Somalia.
Lindhout and Brennan were released in November 2009 after their families paid ransom. The amount has never been released.
On Friday, Lindhout’s 34th birthday, Malizia said the RCMP had been working on a criminal investigation since she was kidnapped and extended to Somalia.
“This investigation posed a number of significant challenges as it was carried out in an extremely high-risk environment in a country plagued with political instability,” he said.
Asked whether Somali government officials knew the RCMP was at work in their country, he said: “I won’t comment around any the specifics of who knew what.”
Malizia confirmed that the RCMP used undercover operations, surveillance and wiretaps, but said other details of the investigation “will only be disclosed during judicial proceedings.”
The RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) led the investigation.
The assistant commissioner praised the “relentless efforts” of investigators and also praised Lindhout personally.
“I have personally been in touch with Miss Lindhout to provide her with these latest developments,” he said, “and I continue to admire her resilient spirit after having gone through such an ordeal.”
Lindhout was held for 15 months as a captive of Somali militants. Her best- selling memoir, A House in the Sky, is a vivid account of the physical and sexual violence she endured.
The book is to be turned into a movie starring Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara.
Malizia refused to go into detail about of the sevenyear investigation, saying “our ability to get successful outcomes like this depends upon a certain level of discretion.”
Inastatement, Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney praised the work of the RCMP and its INSET branch.
“Any criminal who harms a Canadian anywhere in the world can be assured that Canada will hunt them down and make sure that they face the full force of the law,” Blaney said.
Lindhout did not comment Friday, but friends welcomed the announcement.
“I had goosebumps when I heard the news this morning,” said Glori Meldrum, founder of the national child sexual abuse awareness and prevention organization Little Warriors. “I pray there is justice for what was done to Amanda and some closure for her.”
Meldrum met Lindhout two years ago when she spoke at one of the organization’s luncheons. The two became close friends.
“Amanda is one of my heroes,” Meldrum said. “She is one of the bravest people I know.”
Lindhout spent much of this week on a speaking and book-signing circuit, appearing at a Humboldt, Sask., community gala Wednesday night. Her work as founder and president of the Global Enrichment Foundation based in her hometown of Canmore, Alta., helps to support Somali women living in Somalia and Kenya.
Fellow hostage Nigel Brennan, sent out a Twitter message Friday lauding the “incredible work” of the Canadian government, RCMP and others that led to the arrest.