Photographer freed in Afghanistan

Gabriele Torsello, an Italian photojournalist kidnapped in Afghanistan's lawless south, was released on Friday after some three weeks chained in dark rooms.
Aid workers in Afghanistan said they had received a call directing them to a road where Torsello could be found, said the PeaceReporter Web site, which specialises in conflict cover and is close to relief services in Afghanistan. The London-based convert to Islam was found unharmed and healthy, and was being taken to Kabul, officials said.
In his first comments since being freed, Torsello told the Web site he was held in dark rooms during his captivity, usually shackled. Meals always consisted of potatoes or wet bread in soup with lard, he said.
Defence Minister Arturo Parisi thanked Italy's SISMI military secret services for their "decisive contribution" to his release, according to Ansa news agency. It gave no details.