Paris: Four French journalists taken hostage in Syria arrived home on Sunday to an emotional reunion with family and colleagues after spending 10 months in captivity in the world’s most dangerous country for the media.
French President Francois Hollande said it was “a day of joy for France” as he met the four men at military airbase outside Paris where they touched down early.
Hollande said France was “proud” to count the freed journalists among its citizens, and to have secured their release, but cautioned that “there are still hostages being held in Syria because they are journalists.”
Edouard Elias, Didier Francois, Nicolas Henin and Pierre Torres were captured in two separate incidents in June last year while covering the conflict in Syria and freed over the weekend. (Agencies)