4 French journalists held hostage in Syria freed
This March 19, 2013 file photo provided on Friday, June 7, 2013 by Haytham Pictures shows French photojournalist, Edouard Elias posing for a portrait in Yangon, Myanmar. AP FILE PHOTO
PARIS, Fracne—France’s presidential palace says four French journalists held hostage in Syria since June have been released.
President Francois Hollande’s office said in a statement he felt “immense relief” after learning Saturday of the release of Edouard Elias, Didier Francois, Nicolas Henin and Pierre Torres—all said to be in good health despite “very trying conditions” of their captivity.
The Elysee Palace said the four would return to France in the coming hours, and it did not provide any details about the conditions of their release.
The four went missing in two separate incidents in June. Press freedom advocate Reporters Without Borders has called Syria “the most dangerous country in the world” for journalists.
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