Kidnappings in Haiti: the status of the unknown Canadian | Local News

OTTAWA – Global Affairs will not confirm whether one of the two missionaries released from kidnappers in Haiti is the Canadian in the group.

Christian Aid Ministries said on Sunday that two of the 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti on October 16 had been released, although the organization could not give the names, why they were released or any other information.

The kidnapped group consists of 16 US citizens and one Canadian, five of whom are children.

On Monday, Global Affairs Canada could not confirm the status of the Canadian citizen.

“Canada takes this situation very seriously and continues to work with Haitian and American law enforcement authorities, as well as the NGOs involved, on this incident,” wrote a spokesperson for the agency in an emailed statement. at CTVNews.ca.

“Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no other information can be disclosed. “

The Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings and is demanding US $ 1 million per person for their release. It is not known whether this figure includes children.

On November 12, Canada temporarily withdrew non-essential staff from its embassy in Haiti due to an increase in gang violence in the country.

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press