The Norwegian freelance journalist Pål Refsdal (46) who was taken hostage in Afghanistan a week ago, was set free on Thursday by his captors, a group which reportedly is tied to Taliban.

Refsdal and his translator who was also captured last Friday, are said to be in in good condition and are now the care of health personnel in a secure place.

The experienced Norwegian journalist was working on a documentary about Afghanistan for a Norwegian film production company.

The embassy in Kabul received a telephone call on Friday 6 November at 13:10 from a Norwegian journalist who said that he had been kidnapped in eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. The embassy immediately notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Their capture has been kept secret, for security reasons. It is not known if a ransom has been demanded.

(NRK)

Rolleiv Solholm