Canadian journalist freed in Afghanistan

A Canadian journalist kidnapped in the Taliban's provincial stronghold Kandahar was released today, witnesses at the Afghan-Pakistan…

A Canadian journalist kidnapped in the Taliban's provincial stronghold Kandahar was released today, witnesses at the Afghan-Pakistan border said.

Freelance reporter Mr Ken Hechtman was met at the Pakistan border post of Chaman by Canadian diplomats.

Earlier this week two envoys from the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan were dispatched to the Quetta region in a bid to secure the release of Mr Hechtman, who has worked for the Montreal Mirror.

Hechtman (32) was kidnapped in the border town of Spin Boldak. It is not known if his kidnappers were Taliban members or just bandits, but Taliban officials were present at the hand-over.

READ MORE

Taliban border official Mr Maulvi Aminullah crossed the border with Hechtman, witnesses said.

It was not clear if any ransom was paid to secure his release.

Mr Hechtman was reported missing Tuesday by a journalist from London's Guardiannewspaper.

AFP