Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, two Italian aid workers, and five other hostages were released today, following a release of hostages yesterday.
Two different groups claimed responsibility for the abductions, demanding the withdrawal of Italian troops from the country or the release of Iraqi female prisoners. The same two groups later put out Web statements saying the two Italians had been killed, but the Italian government said the claims were not credible.
News of the release came after a Muslim leader from Italy met with an influential Muslim association in Baghdad on Tuesday to press for their freedom, though it was not immediately known if there was a connection. The two women, both 29-year-olds, had been working on school and water projects in Iraq.
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai al-Aam had reported Tuesday that they could be released by Friday in return for a $1 million ransom. But Al-Arabiya TV, citing unidentified sources involved in the negotiations, said no ransom was paid.
I am certainly glad that they are free, and that Italy did not capitulate to the demands of the terrorists.
UPDATE: There have been rumors that the Italian government paid a one million dollar ransom for their release, but the Italian government is denying it.
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