Fed: DFAT confirms detention of Australian in Lebanon

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2006
Fed: DFAT confirms detention of Australian in Lebanon

CANBERRA, Dec 23 AAP - An Australian man is in custody in Lebanon in relation to a
child custody dispute, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed.

Former Australian soldier Brian Corrigan, 38, and David Pemberton of New Zealand, were
hauled from a plane at Beirut's international airport on Wednesday afternoon, according
to media reports today.

The pair could face up to 15 years in jail on charges of kidnapping minors over their
alleged involvement in a so called mercenary squad hired by Canadian woman Melissa Hawach
to retrieve her daughters who had been taken by their Lebanese-Australian father.

DFAT today said foreign affairs officials had offered assistance to Mr Corrigan and
his family following his arrest.

"We are aware of the detention of a 38-year-old Australian man in Beirut on December
21," a spokeswoman said.

"We understand he is being held in relation to a child custody matter.

"The Australian embassy in Beirut is providing consular assistance and liaising with
local authorities.

"Consular officials are also in contact with the man's family in Australia."

DFAT had no information on the whereabouts of another former Australian soldier, James
Arak, reported to have fled Lebanon after the alleged kidnapping along with two New Zealand
mercenaries.

The department was still seeking further updates on the situation, the spokeswoman said.

AAP dcr/arb/cdh

KEYWORD: MERCENARIES DFAT

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