A journalist who was captured while working in Syria, and gave birth in captivity, is reported to be on her way home to Germany after being released to freedom.
Freelance journalist Janina Findeisen – who was captured by a military faction last October – is said to be in ‘good condition’ along with her baby.
Findeisen was on the field for newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and broadcaster NDR when she was taken hostage. Just two months after being held, Findeisen is reported to have given birth to her child.
JFS claims to have freed German journalist Janina Findeisen. Doesn't say which group took her captive. #Syria https://t.co/a8415TqDBj
— Amarnath Amarasingam (@AmarAmarasingam) September 28, 2016
The 27-year-old journalist’s captors demanded a €5 million ransom for their release at the time. It is not yet known if the ransom was paid.
Although few details have as yet been released, Findeisen was reportedly freed and managed to make her way to Turkey for help.
There, in the capital Ankara, Findeisen was taken in by the German Embassy, with consular officials now organising the journey back to Germany for both her and her child.
Janina Findeisen's captivity had been kept quiet by the German media. (Sounds familiar.) I'm glad she's free: https://t.co/WYOQ2e4gsp
— Michael Scott Moore (@MichaelSctMoore) September 29, 2016
Commenting on the news, the director of press group Reporters Without Borders in Germany said: “This case once again makes clear what unforeseeable dangers journalist are constantly exposed to in the Syrian civil war.”
We are so relieved to hear that Janina and her child are doing well after their ordeal.
