Taliban issue demands for release of French journalists
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 January 2010 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Taliban issue demands for release of French journalists, 6 January 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4b59adab3f.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 06, 2010
KABUL (Reuters) – Taliban kidnappers holding two French journalists have demanded the release of a militant commander held by the United States and a cash ransom in return for freeing the hostages, an Afghan security official said.
Abdul Hamid Hakimi, head of the provincial security center for Kapisa Province said today that the militants had made contact and conveyed their demands.
The journalists, from France 3 television, were captured in Kapisa last week along with an Afghan driver and a translator. Media have reported that the driver was freed.
Afghanistan's private AINA TV said in a news report that a Taliban commander in the province had claimed to be holding the journalists.
French troops are stationed in Kapisa as part of the NATO operation in Afghanistan. The Taliban as well as followers of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, another insurgent leader, operate there.
Kidnapping foreigners for ransom has become a big business in Afghanistan. A British-Iraqi journalist was released last month after being held briefly.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
