French aid worker released by the Taliban holds tearful press conference
AP Archive 21 Jul 2015
(28 Apr 2007) .
SOUNDBITE (French): Celine, Released French aid worker ( Only first name given): "I have a message to send you. Before releasing me, they (the kidnappers) gave me a letter, of which I would like to read you a few lines - in English." (Continues in English): "Celine, the leadership of Islamic Emirate in Islamic sympathy and with Islamic behaviour and (inaudible) direction decided to release you without any conditions, (inaudible) this message for the entire world especially Europe, how the innocent people have been killed. You must have been in trouble during transferring from place to place, but it was to save you. Celine, (inaudible) this message to Europe.
There is propaganda in west countries that Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate have no respect for women rights. But you have seen practically how Mujahideen, how modesty behaviour they have. Celine, now we want from (the) French to leave our country, it is our right. With this lawful winning is someone called terrorist."
6. Cutaway of Celine's hand holding water bottle
7. SOUNDBITE (French): Celine, Released French aid worker ( Only first name given):
"I would like to thank the Taliban for keeping their promise and delivering me, back to my parents. I will never forget that they gave me food, that they gave me drinks and that they treated me with respect. I want to ask them to have pity in the name of their god, Eric, Ashraf, Hashim and Rasul. Eric came like me, to Afghanistan as a friend. Hashim, Rasul and Ashraf are Afghans. They are Muslims. They are their brothers. They have children waiting for them.
I praise them to show the world that they are no enemies. I want to ask them to free them. I told them before leaving that my freedom is nothing without their liberty (Eric, Ashraf, Hashim and Rasul). I want you to pass them this message. Please release them." ( Celine breaks down into tears)