MOGADISHU, Somalia – The UN World Food Programme (WFP) staff member who had been detained by the Somalia government was released today.  WFP executive director Josette Sheeran issued a statement from Rome welcoming the release of Idris Osman.  Officials had seized Osman on 17 October in Mogadishu on allegations of aiding terrorists.  The UN had decried his detention as a violation of international law and called for his release.  Osman said he was not mistreated during his six day detention and was allowed visitors.

For more information, please see:

AllAfrica.com – WFP Officer Released From Six-Day Detention – 23 October 2007

Impunity Watch – UN Food-aid Agency Official Detained in Somalia – 20 October 2007