Free again: Al Qaeda hostages speak of captivity and embracing Islam

(Web Desk) - "Before the desert, I was a Christian. They did not force me. I entered (Islam) of my own accord."

"I don t believe they knew my nationality. It would have been first prize for them if I was British. They kidnapped me just because I was non-Muslim."

Stephen McGown explained to reporters in his first public appearance after ten days since he was released.

 Johan Gustafsson in a hostage video released by al-Qaeda. Photo: Handout

Johan Gustafsson and McGown, both 42-year-old were freed in June. They were held captives by the al-Qaeda and were released after six years.

According to BBC, McGown and Gustafsson both converted to Islam during the years of being held as hostages. Their reasons of conversion were, however, different.

McGown added that he sees many positive aspects of the religion, “I see many good things in Islam. It requires a very good character, a very strict character.”

Stephen McGown was held as a hostage was released in July after six years. Photo: AFP

Gustafsson explained the reasons behind his conversion, during his public appearance, "I didn t know anything about Islam, so I m not sure how believable it was. But I think they saw it as their duty to accept it, even though I have a hard time believing that they actually believed me."

He said he converted to Islam “to save his life,” to cope during the long years in the desert with his captors.

Gustafsson after one year tried to escape. He was on the run from his captors for more than two days. Once he was captured again, Gustafsson admitted, a sense of relief. "At the same time, it was a big disappointment, and I was afraid that at worst they would kill me," he said.

Johan Gustafsson after his release with his family. Photo: Simon Stanford/TT

After his release Johan Gustafsson jokingly said, "I hope they let me out because they were tired of me."

Both captives after their release admitted that they were treated better after their conversion to Islam: three meals a day, medicine was given to them and an exercise routine, at times they were allowed to listen to the radio for a short time but there were no books in English. Despite their treatment McGown added, "You always knew you were a prisoner."

McGown said, “I did my best in a bad situation” and described how he learned some Arabic to communicate. He was accompanied by his father and his wife. McGown appeared in front of the public after his discharge from the hospital.

"I ll probably keep the beard. I see all of my friends are growing them. They ve become funky," McGown said.

McGown, Gustafsson were captured along with another hostage Sjaak Rijke, at a hotel in northern city of Mali, Timbuktu a historical trading city. Sjaak Rijke was rescued by French forces in April 2015 followed by Gustafsson and McGown’s recent release.

Gustafsson was released in June as he explains the Swedish police officers had “tears in their eyes,” as they rescued him and was soon rejoined with his family.

Mr McGown was alone with his captors for another month before he was also released.