Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Freed Reporter from Afghanistan |
|---|
| salaam |
| 10/08/01 at 19:37:41 |
Freed reporter tells of relief British journalist Yvonne Ridley has told of her delight at having been freed by the Taleban. Speaking from Pakistan, the Sunday Express reporter said: "I'm fine, it's good to be here. "They [the Taleban] treated me with respect and courtesy." Her comments came just hours after she was handed over at the Torkhum border crossing at the foot of the Khyber Pass on Monday afternoon. "I would like to thank all those who have worked for my release, including the Foreign Office, the Pakistan Government and of course my company Express Newspapers," she said. "I am now desperate to get home to see my daughter Daisy." There had been fears for her well-being after the Allies launched missile attacks on Taleban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan on Sunday. But her release was confirmed on Monday by the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who said: "Yvonne Ridley has been handed over to Pakistani officials with whom we have been liaising closely since her detention. "She has been met by consular staff of the High Commission. "She'll be taken to Islamabad this evening. There'll be accommodation with the High Commission." Trial fears Ms Ridley, 43, was seized 11 days ago after she crossed from Pakistan into eastern Afghanistan. The reporter was arrested by the Taleban, and there were fears that she could be put on trial for entering the country illegally or even spying. The Taleban reportedly ordered her release on Sunday, but there were concerns that this might have been compromised by the attacks on Sunday night. On Monday, Mr Blair paid tribute to the "tireless work" of the British High Commission, the Foreign Office and the Pakistani Government in securing Ms Ridley's release. 'Great relief' Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was delighted she had been freed and could now be reunited with her family. "I know what a great relief this must be for them, especially at such a difficult and uncertain time," he said. "I am sure that Yvonne's many friends and journalist colleagues in the UK and all around the world will welcome this news as much as I do." News of Ms Ridley's release came as her mother criticised the UK and US Governments for going ahead with missile attacks on targets in Afghanistan without knowing if her daughter was safe. Joyce Ridley said that before the attacks were launched on Afghanistan, her daughter had been a "free woman". She said she had just been waiting for transport to be provided by the Taleban at sunrise on Monday morning for the six-hour journey through the Khyber Pass to the border, where she was to be led to safety. 'Joy turned to dismay' Mrs Ridley, speaking outside her home in West Pelton, County Durham on Monday, said: "With the start of the military action last night our anticipated joy immediately turned to dismay. "The British Government said she was coming home. Why then could they not delay the bombing for a few hours? I just cannot accept that." Mrs Ridley said she had spoken to her grand-daughter on Wednesday, when she was "happy". She said: "I will speak to her tonight. She will be the first to know when her mummy is free again." According to the Sunday Express, Ms Ridley, an experienced reporter who has worked for several other national newspapers, had entered the country to cover the humanitarian crisis there. |
Individual posts do not necessarily reflect the views of Jannah.org, Islam, or all Muslims. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. Comments are owned by the poster and may not be used without consent of the author.The rest © Jannah.Org |