Entertainment News - Kidnapped filmmaker released

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Kidnapped filmmaker released

KABUL, Afghanistan (UPI) -- British documentary director Sean Langan, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan and held hostage for three months, reportedly has been released.

Langan's documentary "Fighting the Taliban" was nominated for a BAFTA this year. His other films include "Tea with the Taliban" and "Kabul Vice."

The 43-year-old filmmaker was kidnapped while shooting in a tribal area in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan in March. Held in dark basement, he was reportedly forced to endure mock executions at the hands of Islamic extremists.

Langan, who is said to be suffering from dysentery following his ordeal, was set free Saturday night and headed home after weeks of negotiations between his captives and his employers at Channel Four and his family, The Times of London reported.

"It was only down to some extremely skilled negotiations, conducted at great risk, that clinched the release," a source told The Times. "This wasn't some bandit group. The kidnappers were well linked politically."

"We're glad to hear he's safe and well and would encourage people to give him space after a traumatic experience," a representative for Britain's Foreign Office told The Times. "We were not involved directly in securing his release but have subsequently provided consular assistance."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 06/24/2008

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