French journalists freed after 18 months

MAHMOOD RAQI (PAN released two French journalists and their Afghan translator on Wednesday after an 18-month-long period of captivity.

Journalists Stephane Taponeir and Herve Ghesquiere, and translator Din Mohammad were kidnapped 18 months ago in the Ala Sai district in the central province of Kapisa.

A relative of local Taliban commander Ghazi Noorullah told Pajhwok Afghan News on condition of anonymity that Noorullah had been released from ISAF captivity in exchange for the freedom of the French journalists and their translator.

The captives were released around 5:00 pm on Wednesday near a French military base, said Abdul Hakim Akhunzada, the district chief.

Akhunzada said the journalists were in stable condition. He added that they were freed as a result of the mediation of local people.

The French Embassy in Kabul.

mrh/mbg/at

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