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4 French journalists held hostage in Syria freed
Mideast France Syria  Werm
This file photo provided on June 10 by Prix Bayeux and dated Oct. 9, 2012, shows French journalist Didier Francois gesturing during a debate held in Bayeux, western France, as part of the Prix Bayeux Award. - photo by Associated Press
PARIS — Four French journalists held hostage in Syria for 10 months have been released, officials said Saturday, the latest batch of reporters to be freed in what has become the world's deadliest conflict for the media. President Francois Hollande's office said in a statement that he felt "immense relief" over the release of Edouard Elias, Didier Francois, Nicolas Henin and Pierre Torres — all said to be in good health in neighboring Turkey despite the "very trying conditions" of their captivity. "We are very happy to be free ... and it's very nice to see the sky, to be able to walk, to be able to ... speak freely," said Francois, who works for Europe 1 radio, in footage recorded by the private Turkish news agency DHA as the journalists left a police station.
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