French journalists released after 18 month-captivity in Afghanistan

Two French journalists who had been held hostage in Afghanistan for 18 months were released yesterday, according to their employer France 3.

The French president confirmed the release of Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier on the Elysee Palace website, thanking those who took part in their liberation.

It is understood the journalists' translator was also released.

The journalists had been held hostage in Afghanistan since 29 December 2009, released this week as their friends and family held a rally to mark 18 months in detention. They have now arrived back in France.

"The two journalists are in good health", prime minister Francois Fillon was quoted by France 3 as it announced their release.

"Initially, the names of the two journalists had not been disclosed by the French authorities and French television for security reasons," France 3 added.

"It was only three months after their abduction France 3 that revealed their identity."

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) secretary-general Jean-François Julliard said the organisation is "greatly relieved" to hear the news.

"Our recent meetings with the Afghan authorities and the French officials in charge of the case had led us to believe that they would be freed soon," he said in a report.

"We hail all the efforts undertaken by the French and Afghan governments, which led to Ghesquière and Taponier and their interpreter being freed safe and sound as result of negotiation. We hope they will all be reunited with their families very soon."

A video report by France 24 shows how the journalists' family and friends heard of their release as they demonstrated to mark the 18-month long captivity at a rally staged by RSF.

Speaking to France 3 on the phone following his release Ghesquière reportedly said the journalists spent the last five months together, but before then they had been separated from the start.

He was said to add that he wanted to "return to normal life as soon as possible" and "especially not to play the ex-hostages."

According to the press freedom group at least 15 journalists have been kidnapped by criminal or insurgent groups in Afghanistan since the start of 2009.

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