Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov.18 / Trend N. Kirtskhalia /
Somali pirates are demanding ransom for 13 captured Georgian sailors. One of the pirates said in an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcasting that the sailors remain in captivity and will only be released after they receive a ransom of $1 million.
He said otherwise the sailors will be shot. The captured sailors have not received any food or water for 23 days.
The "Olig Dzhi" ship was seized by pirates on Sept. 7. There were 42 people on board in total, including 13 Georgia citizens.
The relatives of the sailors held a protest in Batumi demanding the government's interference yesterday. Head of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic Levan Varshalomidze met with them and promised to secure their release.