Italians’ release raises hopes for hostages as ransom claims denied

THE freeing of the two Italian aid workers, Simona Torretta and Simona Pari, raised hopes other hostages might be released.

It also raised questions over how to deal with kidnappers after an Italian lawmaker yesterday said the Italian Government paid a ransom, possibly of $1 million (€810,000).

The government denied any ransom was paid.