Three abducted Egyptian Trade Unionists Freed


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Three trade unionists kidnapped last week near Suez City, Egypt, have been freed after a ransom was paid, a fourth hostage is still being held pending the payment of his ransom.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) leader Mohamed Salem, Ahram Online reported.

The General Union of Tourism leader, his deputy and a union member were freed after a LE150,000 per person (approx $21,000) ransom was paid. A labor ministry official is still being held.

The four men were kidnapped last week by unidentified armed assailants in Oyoun Moussa, a few miles from the Ahmed Hamdi tunnel that connects the Sinai Peninsula to the city of Suez.

They were on their way to Sharm El-Sheikh to attend a federation conference on the newly amended constitution.

Attacks on military and police targets surged in Sinai after Mursi was ousted in July.