Salamualeikum/Hi everyone,

Two weeks ago I learnt the shocking news that my cousin Ridwan is being held ransom in Libya after attempting to flee to Europe from Somaliland. Initially asking for £5000, now the smugglers are demanding £12,000.

Ridwan Siyad Hassan is my cousin. He was born and raised in Gabiley, Somaliland, is an only child and is 17 years old. His grandma and aunt raised him instead. But both unfortunately passed away a few years ago - in the same year. His grandma and aunt were the only individuals who took care of him and always had his best interests at heart.

Abandoned by his parents from a very young age, he always had trouble understanding why his parents had abandoned him. This feeling intensified after the passing of his aunt and grandma.

Unfortunately, Ridwan got involved with the wrong people and was convinced to flee to Europe while being unaware of the dangers that came with the journey.

Now my cousin Ridwan is being held captive in Libya. With limited communication, we are left in the dark about how he’s doing. But you can see from the image on the right in what state he is., Ridwan is being tortured, abused and starved.

As a family we have come together and raised £5000 in urgency however it did not meet the money that they were demanding which is £12,000. We would desperately ask for assistance for the rest.

In their 2015 report, Amnesty International exposed the horror and plight refugees and migrants experience in Libya. As well as sexual violence and abuse, they revealed that many migrants faced abduction for ransom by traffickers and smugglers. Migrants are living in “ghastly conditions” in a country with “spiralling lawlessness”, the report described.

This funding page will help us raise the rest of the £12,000 in the hope that Ridwan will be freed and come home.

And so, I ask all my brothers and sisters in Islam and in humanity for a helping hand during this trying time for my family.

Please donate whatever you can and share this page.

Remember, “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them,” (Hadith, Muslim)

Jazakallahkhayr/Thank you