The 35 journalists trapped in the Rixos got the first signal that their captivity could be coming to an end when a colleague decided to walk into the hotel on Wednesday afternoon.
Paul Schemm, the Morocco correspondent of the Associated Press, not only walked in but walked out.
He brought one of the 35 out, after the gunmen guarding the hotel agreed he could go out to buy cigarettes — provided he returned.
“I wanted to see my colleagues. I was concerned about them and wanted to see if they were all right,” said Mr Schemm. “I think it helped I was very low key and was able to talk to the guards.”
Imed Lamloum, the Agence France-Presse correspondent who had lived in the hotel for five months, was determined to return to it to see his fellow residents. “It’s about solidarity now,” he said. “I have to go back.”
His resolve was not fully tested as the International Committee of the Red Cross convoy that brought the journalists out arrived at the harbourside Corinthia Hotel before Mr Lamloum left. Elated at their safe passage, he dashed down the stairs and into the arms of his relieved colleagues.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8721044/Libya-Rixos-journalists-captivity-ended-when-colleague-walked-into-hotel.html
