A Canadian hostage has been released by the Taliban after five years in captivity, according to the Canadian government. In 2010, Colin Rutherford was visiting Afghanistan as a tourist when he disappeared. The following year, a video released by the Afghan Taliban suggested that he had been taken hostage while visiting the eastern province of Ghazni.
During the video, the Taliban accused the 26-year-old of being a spy, however Rutherford denied this, saying that he had been visiting Afghanistan to visit historical shrines and sites.
The Canadian foreign affairs minister, Stephane Dion said in a statement on Monday that Canada was grateful for the help of Qatar in assisting with Rutherford’s release.
"Canada is very pleased that efforts undertaken to secure the release of Colin Rutherford from captivity have been successful," he said.
"The Government of Canada will continue to provide Mr. Rutherford with consular assistance and will assist in facilitating his safe return home."
The news comes as Pakistan hosts talks among four countries to bring the Taliban and Kabul government back into negotiations.
The Afghan Taliban is still believed to be holding a Canadian man and his US wife, who were captured in 2012 while on a trip to the country.
