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Canadian tourist detained in Afghanistan since 2010 released
This still file image from a video released by the Taliban on May 8, 2011, purports to show Canadian Colin Rutherford in captivity
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This still file image from a video released by the Taliban on May 8, 2011, purports to show Canadian Colin Rutherford in captivity. Rutherford, who was captured by the Taliban in 2010, has been released, the Canadian government announced on Monday. (Taliban video/The Canadian Press via AP) (Taliban video/The Canadian Press via AP)
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span class="inline inline-center">This still file image from a video released by the Taliban on May 8, 2011, purports to show Canadian Colin Rutherford in captivity. Rutherford, who was captured by the Taliban in 2010, has been released, the Canadian government announced on Monday. (Taliban video/The Canadian Press via AP)
A Canadian man, held by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2010, has been released, Canada's government announced Monday.
Canadian Minister Stephane Dion said in a statement Colin Rutherford was a tourist in Afghanistan when he was seized by the Taliban in November 2010. The Taliban released a video of Rutherford in 2011 and accused him, then 26, of being a spy.
Rutherford insisted he was not a spy and had travelled to Afghanistan to study historical sites and shrines. He said in the video that he an auditor from Canada and came as a tourist.
It was not immediately clear how his release came about, but Dion thanked the government of Qatar for its assistance.
"Canada is very pleased that efforts undertaken to secure the release of Colin Rutherford from captivity have been successful," Dion said.
"We look forward to Mr. Rutherford being able to return to Canada and reunite with his family and loved ones."
Canadian Circulations Audit Board said in an email that Rutherford was working for them in Toronto when he went on vacation to Afghanistan.
"This is great news," said Tim Peel, the company's vice-president said in an email. "We wish him a safe and speedy return and would like to thank all the parties involved in securing his freedom." (kes)(+)
