“As for the captives, the amir [ruler] has the choice of taking the most beneficial action of four possibilities: the first to put them to death by cutting their necks; the second, to enslave them and apply the laws of slavery regarding their sale and manumission; the third, to ransom them in exchange for goods or prisoners; and fourth, to show favor to them and pardon them. Allah, may he be exalted, says, ‘When you encounter those [infidels] who deny [the Truth=Islam] then strike [their] necks’ (Qur’an sura 47, verse 4)” — Al-Mawardi, al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah (The Laws of Islamic Governance).
“Al-Qaeda releases SA hostage Gerco van Deventer after six years – Gift of the Givers,” by Cebelihle Mthethwa, News 24, December 17, 2023:
Non-profit organisation Gift of the Givers on Sunday announced the release of South African Gerco van Deventer, who was taken hostage in Libya six years ago.
After being taken hostage, he was sold to militant group Al-Qaeda.
“He was sold to the group in Mali in 2018 and finally released unconditionally yesterday,” said Gift of the Givers founder and director Imtiaz Sooliman on Sunday.
His release comes after six years and one month, making him the longest-held South African hostage in captivity, said Sooliman.
News24 has reached out to officials in the international relations department regarding the release. Their comment will be added once received.
Gift of the Givers, at the request of Van Deventer’s family, became involved in negotiations in 2018 and made contact with Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), also a militant group.
Sooliman said JNIM had dealt with the release of Stephen McGown, Johan Gustafsson and Christo Bothma, and had connected many negotiators from various countries on behalf of hostages.
Sooliman said the initial request for Van Deventer was $3 million. Over time, he added, this was negotiated down to $500 000.
“The family could not afford the ransom, there was no benefactor… the company that Gerco had just commenced work for could not assist. Gift of the Givers does not pay ransom, but acts as a facilitator on behalf of distraught families wanting to bring home their loved ones,” Sooliman said….
Hugh Fitzgerald says
Don’t work in Libya, or for that matter in any Muslim-majority company. Don’t visit as a tourist. Stay well away, lest you too become a hostage.
rick says
Correct assumption Mr. Hugh Fitzgerald.
Jack Reynolds says
Can you figure out why high levels of immigration from Islamic countries is a stupid idea ???
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https://rumble.com/v41tn7n-pork-netherlands-muslims.html
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https://t.me/DerekRants/8183
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brenrod says
Those nations funding these groups should be destabilized and plunged into chaos. It is best when these nations and groups are fighting each other. When they are suffering, in chaos or killing each other they are less dangerous to others, unless of course you allow them into your nation and home.