"Businessman Says He Paid Ransom to Iraqis
Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey - A wealthy Turkish businessman has said he paid $500,000 in ransom to Iraqi kidnappers to win his freedom following two months in captivity, private NTV television said Thursday.
Kahraman Sadikoglu, president of the Istanbul-based Tuzla Shipyard, arrived safely in Istanbul Tuesday evening.
He quoted his kidnappers as saying 'We will ask for money from you, which will not hurt you too much but will benefit us,'' the Anatolia news agency reported.
Private NTV television reported that Sadikoglu said he was freed after paying ransom money, adding that kidnappers were only seeking money from the rich.
'I paid US$500,000,' Sadikoglu added, according to Anatolia."
More:AP Wire | 02/17/2005 | Businessman Says He Paid Ransom to Iraqis
