Afternoon:
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Kidnapped journalists released
05.01.09
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A British journalist kidnapped by Somalian gunmen and released after 40 days in captivity is to spend his first day of freedom "relaxing and getting his energy back".
A spokeswoman said he was "looking forward to having some time to relax and get his energy back."
Colin Freeman, 39, the Sunday Telegraph's chief foreign correspondent, was snatched by bodyguards who were escorting him to Boosaaso airport in Somalia.
Mr Freeman had just finished investigating a spate of piracy attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden for the paper when the kidnap happened.
Spanish freelance photographer Jose Cendon, also working for the Sunday Telegraph, was taken in the same kidnapping and remained with him throughout.
Mr Freeman said he was "absolutely fine and delighted to be out" and "had absolutely no problems at all either physically or mentally".
Mr Freeman claimed his captors had treated them both well and that they were hidden in caves in the mountains close to the city of Boosaaso.
He said: "We survived on rice, goat meat and Rothmans. I gave up smoking in 1992 and somehow decided now would be a good time to start again."
A Telegraph Media Group spokesman said: "We are grateful to all those who have helped secure the safe release of Colin Freeman and Jose Cendon.
"This is wonderful news and we are delighted that the two journalists will soon be reunited with their families, friends and colleagues."
