Canada does not pay ransoms for hostages, says Trudeau

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau

Canada "does not pay and will not pay ransom" for the release of its abducted citizens - stated the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Tuesday, after the execution of a Canadian by the Philippine extremist group Abu Sayyaf.

The group also holds a Canadian and a Norwegian in his possession.

One day after announcing the execution of John Ridsdel, held hostage since 21 last September, Trudeau said that this "unjust act" in no way changes the position of his government regarding the abductions.

Get the payment of a ransom is "a significant source of funding for terrorist organizations," which "would endanger the lives of millions of others (Canadian) to travel around the world every year," he emphasized the prime minister.


Abu Sayyaf demanded the delivery of 20 million euros for the release of the three hostages.