Q: I read in the AJC about the Somalis who allegedly killed the four Americans (all adults) off the coast of Africa. In a related story, I never heard anything more about the capture of the two adults and three children by the Somalis sometime after that first story broke. What happened with the adults and children?
-- Kathy Gestar, Snellville
A: Jan Quist Johansen, wife Birgit and their three children, who are from Denmark, have been held captive by Somali pirates since February. The pirates are reportedly asking a ransom of $5 million for the family. Two adult Danish crew members also were taken in the attack on the Johansens' 43-foot sailboat in the Indian Ocean, according to The Associated Press. Somali pirates hold 19 ships and 417 hostages, according to a recent AP story.
Q: Does the Atlanta Police Department provide security for Atlanta's professional sports teams? If so, who pays them, the taxpayers or the team?
-- Peter Vajda, Sandy Springs
A: Off-duty officers with the Atlanta Police Department help provide security for Atlanta's pro sports teams, an APD spokesman told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. He said the teams pay for the security.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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