08/12/05

TEAR Fund urges for hostage release as deadline looms

As the deadline looms today for hostage Harmeet Sooden, TEAR Fund is again urging and praying for his release.

Brigade of the Swords of Righteousness have threatened New Zealand resident Harmeet Sooden, and three others, with death unless Iraqi prisoners held in Iraq and the United States are freed today.

"We again affirm Harmeet Sooden is a peace activist, who advocates on behalf of the human rights of all Iraqis, and is calling for an end to the occupation of their nation," says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

"As the deadline set by his captors expires today, we ask and pray Harmeet Sooden is released unharmed soon.'

Mr Tollestrup, who visited with Christian Peacemaker Team leadership in Canada for informal discussions, explains the teams work throughout the world, wherever violence and injustice is present, as advocates for justice through nonviolent action.

ENDS

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