seized three weeks ago by kidnappers demanding the return of an Afghan convert to Christianity.
The men were kidnapped October 12 by five gunmen on the highway from the capital of Helmand province to neighboring Kandahar province n southern Afghanistan while traveling on a bus.
The Italian defense ministry said he was in good condition, but the situation of his translator was not immediately clear.
Torsello’s kidnappers had asked for the return of Abdul Rahman, 41, an Afghan who faced execution for converting from Islam to Christianity and was granted asylum in Italy. Rahman converted 16 years ago while working with a Christian aid group as a refugee in Pakistan.
He was rushed to Italy in March and granted asylum after being charged with leaving Islam, which carries the death penalty. The Christian is believed to be hiding at an unknown location under the protection of Italian officials.
MORE PERSECUTION
Christian groups have warned the case underscored a wider problem faced by Afghanistan’s tiny Christian community, and that other believers have been threatened with execution as well.
Those responsible for kidnapping Torsello also called for the withdrawal of Italy’s 1,800 troops from Afghanistan, something Italy so far refused.
No details were released whether any ransom was paid or any other deal had been struck with the kidnappers. Afghan police said Torsello was held by the Taliban, but the group has denied any involvement, blaming criminals. (With reports from Kabul and Rome).
