"There were mock executions"- former French hostage in Syria
- 10 years ago
Four French journalists held captive in Syria for more than 10 months returned to France Sunday where they were welcomed by President Francois Hollande, their families and friends.
Hollande called it a day of joy for France.
On Monday, veteran Europe 1 reporter Didier Francois recounts the ordeal to Europe 1.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAYING:
"Yes there were mock executions, a pistol held to the head. That's part of the range of basic exercises. But overall, as long as there was room for discussion or negotiation, I never really believed they would do it."
Francois was abducted along with a Europe 1 photographer on the way to Aleppo in June 2013. Amateur video which can not be independently verified from that time shows war raging in the one time commercial capital
He says they were held in areas close to the combat.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) ) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAY
Hollande called it a day of joy for France.
On Monday, veteran Europe 1 reporter Didier Francois recounts the ordeal to Europe 1.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAYING:
"Yes there were mock executions, a pistol held to the head. That's part of the range of basic exercises. But overall, as long as there was room for discussion or negotiation, I never really believed they would do it."
Francois was abducted along with a Europe 1 photographer on the way to Aleppo in June 2013. Amateur video which can not be independently verified from that time shows war raging in the one time commercial capital
He says they were held in areas close to the combat.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) ) FORMER HOSTAGE AND EUROPE 1 REPORTER DIDIER FRANCOIS SAY