Violent Protests as 'obscene' ransom demand made public
Protests have erupted across the ISC following the release of demands for President Thorne by a group calling themselves the "Corsairs". The group, which ISC Security Forces confirm to be a "small pirate outfit" have demanded ten million credits in return for the release of the ISC leader. It is believed that the threat to "return the president in pieces" if the ransom is not paid, is the cause for the protests.
From Lahsbane to Bestine, supporters of President Thorne have taken to the streets shouting "Hang Haskeen" and "Take Back Thorne" alongside "Kill All Pirates", and other such creative chants. ISC Forces have yet to respond to requests to calm the protestors, which have flared into violence on some ISC worlds.
Reports have come in from Tatooine, which allege that a group of Trandoshan business-beings were attacked by a protesting mob by the main spaceport, leaving them with severe injuries.
The Tatooine Governors office was unavailable for comment.
Earlier today Secretary Carrick's office confirmed that they had responded to the ransom demands, and had placed a bounty of 350,000 Credits on the crew of the Corsair. The whereabouts of the ship is unknown, although the Herald understands that the Sector Rangers and other law-enforcement bodies are attempting to track it down.