A joint statement this morning from the families of the detained 60 Minutes crew in Lebanon has described the situation as a “living nightmare”, and how they’re “anxious and worried sick”.
The parents have admitted they haven’t told some of their children what’s really going on. “It’s not an easy conversation to have with a five- or seven-year-old who ask as they go to sleep each night when mummy or daddy is coming home.”
Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner is behind bars for kidnapping charges after trying to take back her two kids from estranged husband Ali Elamine. She was alongside 60 Minutes journalist Tara Brown, producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment.
Sally Faulkner
Stephen Rice
The four 60 Minutes crew members were trying to cover the story and were arrested on April 7.
The families of the crew are having regular meetings with the Nine Network to discuss the charges of kidnapping, physical assault, hiding information and criminal conspiracy.
David Ballment
Ben Williamson
“From what we know, they are in good health, keeping their spirits up and are being well looked after by the Lebanese authorities.”
“You can’t imagine how comforting it is to know that. That is all that is getting us through at the moment.”
They said they haven’t spoken to their partners since before they were arrested. While the families are getting daily updates, there isn’t much to go on as they’re unfamiliar with Lebanese legal system.
“People forget that Tara, Stephen, Ben and Tangles were there doing a job; covering a story. As it turns out, a very important story. Obviously, this time, something went wrong.”
The statement continued: “But if we have one message it’s that people who have been so quick to judge should at least wait until all the facts are known.”
“If we don’t have all the facts, how can anyone else?”
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