Kidnapped Jordanian Businessman Freed In Iraq

8 March 2005 -- Kidnappers in Iraq have released a Jordanian businessman, Ibrahim Maharmeh, after the family paid a ransom.

Maharmeh was abducted in Baghdad on 5 March. His brother Bilal said he was released late yesterday after the family paid a ransom of $100,000.

More than 150 foreigners have been kidnapped in the war-torn country by criminals seeking cash or by politically motivated Islamic militant groups. Some have been released while others were killed.

(AFP/Reuters)

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