From the ArcaMax Publishing, Entertainment News Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/entertainmenttoday/s-368007-462095
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."