The man took the woman hostage in the Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania, in downtown Oslo, at 10 a.m., prompting police to evacuate part of the hotel.

The kidnapper then threatened to activate an explosive device which he claimed he had planted somewhere in Oslo. The man demanded €1 million and free passage.

Police talked with the hostage taker for five hours, before persuading him to give himself up.

Later they found an electric shock device and a knife in his room. The hostage was unhurt.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

This news item is one of many published daily by HATC, a premier subscription news service which distributes English-language info about Hungary via email or fax. For a free trial of HATC follow this link and click on 'Free Trial Subscription'.