Hostages abroad: Fears grow for Briton missing in Angola
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THERE ARE growing fears for the British hostage Jason Pope, who was kidnapped in an attack on the Angolan diamond mine where he worked. There has been no contact with any group claiming to hold him, and the Foreign Office said it had no news of his fate.
The Unita rebel movement admitted responsibility for the attack seven weeks ago in which eight men died, but has denied taking hostages. The Foreign Office is advising Britons not to travel to Angola unless absolutely necessary. ``It is worrying,'' a spokesman said. ``No group has claimed responsibility.'' Ten employees of the Canadian Diamond Works company have been missing since the attack on Yetwene mine on 8 November.
Those captured were reported to have been marched into the bush. Mr Pope, a geologist aged 24 from Teignmouth, Devon, had worked at an Australian gold mine before moving to Angola.
His parents, Alan and Genevra, have criticised the Foreign Office for revealing the role of the military consultant Tim Spicer, head of the company at the centre of the arms-to-Africa affair, in attempts to trace their son.
Mr Spicer, the director of Sandline International, had been nominated by Diamond Works to represent the company in discussions with the Foreign Office.
His firm was embroiled in controversy over its role in exporting arms to Sierra Leone in defiance of a United Nations embargo, helping to restore a government which had been ousted in a coup.
His role in the Diamond Works kidnapping came to light when the Foreign Office's top civil servant, Sir John Kerr, gave evidence to a parliamentary select committee.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments