Amanda Lindhout kidnapping: RCMP arrest Somali man

The RCMP have arrested and charged a Somali man inconnection with the hostage-taking of Canadian freelance journalistAmanda Lindhout.

Lindhout, who now lives in Canmore, AB., and fellow journalist Nigel Brennan were seized inMogadishu, Somalia, in August 2008. Both were released on Nov. 25,2009.

The Mounties say Ali Omar Ader, a Somali national, faces criminalcharges of hostage-taking for his purported role as a negotiator.He was arrested Thursday in Ottawa. The RCMP say the suspect hadbeen in Canada for a few days but the national police force did notreveal how he arrived in Canada.

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Ader was expected to make a court appearance Friday.

Calls to Lindhout from CBC have not been returned. Her publicist says she is not available for interviewstoday.

Lindhout has published a best-selling memoir of her ordeal, inwhich she reveals being sexually assaulted in captivity.

RCMP Asst. Commissioner James Malizia lauded Lindhout, Brennanand their families for their courage and for providing witnessstatements that assisted in advancing the investigation.

"This arrest is a testament to the investigative team'sperseverance and I wish to thank them for their excellent work,"Malizia said in a statement.The Mounties noted the police force's mandate extends beyondCanada's borders, where the extra-territorial provisions of theCriminal Code come into effect.

The RCMP acknowledged the help of the Canada Border ServicesAgency, Foreign Affairs and the Australian Federal Police throughoutthe process.

More details to come.