Brother of Bakeries Association Chief Held Hostage for Ransom

The brother of the head of Bakeries Association was on Monday kidnapped by unknown assailants, who asked for ransom in return for his release.

The head of the association, Anisse Beshara, told Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) that the kidnapers called the wife of his brother Youssef asking for a $400,000 ransom.

The abduction, which took place at dawn on the Bsalim road, north of Beirut, has no political motive, he said.

But the National News Agency reported that the kidnappers asked for a $4 million ransom.

Lebanon has been lately witnessing a spree of abduction of wealthy businessmen. The kidnapers are either setting the men free after the payment of ransom or releasing their captives after the mediation of some officials.