Ex-hostages recount controversial ordeal

Two years ago, a young Swiss couple was driving along the Old Silk Road when, in Pakistan, the adventure became a nightmare: they were kidnapped and held hostage for 259 days by the Taliban. Now, they’ve published a book about the ordeal.

“Tomorrow You’ll Be Dead”, published in German, tells how they survived long months in captivity and how, upon their return to Switzerland after their escape, were harshly criticised by the public for taking too many risks while travelling.

The media has accused the authors of stirring up “conspiracy theories” with the tale of their kidnapping. Many also note the couple´s refusal to give any credit in their book to Swiss diplomacy, as many Swiss officers spent months trying to free them, both in Switzerland and in Pakistan. The total cost ran into the millions, not counting any ransom which may or may not have been paid.

The kidnapping victims have, in part, helped to offset the cost by giving public lectures and doing preventive consulting for travel agencies, NATO personnel and other institutions. However, they still haven´t admitted that travelling across Pakistan in such a way was risky.

Following their case and those of others who may be travelling in danger zones abroad, the Swiss government wants to pass a new law which will exonerate the state from any form of liability if someone disregards foreign ministry travel recommendations or acts negligently. (SRF/swissinfo.ch).