New concern for fate of French journalists after discovery of their kidnapped driver

Reporters Without Borders welcomed the rescue on 11 November of Mohammed al-Joundi, the Syrian driver and interpreter of kidnapped French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, who it vowed to continue efforts to free. "Al-Joundi's release is a great relief and joy for everyone, especially his family who have endured months of worry and distress," it said. "We remain shoulder to shoulder with the families of Chesnot and Malbrunot and will continue to campaign tirelessly for their release." The worldwide press freedom organisation held a rally in front of Paris city hall today, which was attended by Al-Joundi's family, and ceremoniously took down the large portrait of him which has hung outside the building for many weeks alongside those of the two journalists. Al-Joundi, kidnapped with the journalists near Najaf on 20 August, was found handcuffed in Fallujah by US troops. He said he had been separated from them about a month ago and did not know what had become of them. Al-Joundi said three men in two cars (a white Mercedes and a Korean-made vehicle) kidnapped them on their way to Najaf. A group called the Islamic Army in Iraq later claimed responsibility. Malbrunot, 41, is a freelance reporter for the French dailies Le Figaro and Ouest-France and the radio and TV station RTL, and Chesnot, 38, a freelance for radio stations RFI and Radio France.