Silvia Romano, an Italian aid worker
kidnapped in Kenya 18 months ago, held in Somalia, and freed
Saturday, returned to Italy Sunday and was greeted by relatives,
Premier Giuseppe Conte and Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.
The Milanese Romano, 23, converted to Islam during her
captivity and wore traditional Somali Muslim garb as she spoke
to reporters wearing a facemask and gloves.
"Luckily I'm well, physically and mentally, I'm really happy
(to be back), now I just want to be with my family," she said.
Quizzed by prosecutors she reportedly said "I was moved often,
always with the same captors (in Somalia), there was no marriage
or relationships, just respect".
She reportedly said she converted to Islam of her own free
will.
Di Maio said Monday: "Silvia is a young woman who lived 18
months of imprisonment, First in Kenya. Then in Somalia. At just
23 years of age. Thanks to the work of women and men of the
State, she is now back in Italy again, in the arms of her
family.
"And that is the only thing that counts. That intense,
infinite, true, and moving embrace between Silvia and her
father, mother and sister moved everybody.
"Silvia is alive, she is well. Now, please, a bit of
respect".
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