I was woken up at a few minutes past 8 am this morning by a journalist from Radio New Zealand asking if I knew a Mark Taylor. “What… hold on..?” I slurred from the depths of sleep. “Laura, do I know a Mark Taylor, he may have worked for Salient in 2006. Someone from RNZ wants to know. He’s been arrested in Pakistan or something.”
“Na, sorry. But I do have the 2006 Editors number. You could give him a call. He might not be as happy being woken up.” I told the woebegone journalist.
Quick text to James reveals that he didn’t know who he was either. Searching the Salient site reveals we did have a person named Mark Taylor. But is it the same guy?
Radio NZ’s story says that Mark is 35. Although I have no recollection of Mark, and no one in the office does anymore, it seems a bit of a stretch that a 35 year old was involved.
A quick tally of friends shows that everyone knows a Mark Taylor from way back. None of them know if their Mark Taylor is the one who Pakistani authorities think have ties to radical Islam.
Stuff, RNZ and many of the main media outlets are running around hands in air trying to find this guy. Asking if YOU know Mark Taylor.
Do you? I look forward to finding out who this guy is. I’ve sent MJO down to Births Deaths and Marriages to find his birth certificate and then to the library to see if he can locate his parents on the electoral roll.
If you know this guy please tell us about him by emailing me or Michael on editor@salient.org.nz or news@salient.org.nz respectively.
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UPDATE:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a statement which says that Taylor is safe and well. He will remain in custody for further questioning. MFAT is recieving regular updates on his status and has requested permission to speak to him directly.
Mark Taylors parents have been contacted by MFAT but do not wish to be contacted by the media.
Mystery not quite solved.