Freed American Journalist Peter Theo Curtis Press Conference: ‘I Can’t Give You An Interview Right Now’

Peter Theo Curtis, an American journalist who was recently freed after two years in captivity by Islamist rebels in Syria (see this Inquisitr article), moments ago told reporters at a press conference that he is not prepared to give any interviews at this time, WFXT (Boston) is reporting.

Curtis addressed the media outside of his mother’s home in Cambridge, outside Boston. His voice breaking and at times struggling for words, Curtis gave a brief statement, thanking the American people for their concern for him.

“In the days following my release on Sunday, I have learned, bit by bit, that there have been literally hundreds of people – brave, determined, and big-hearted people, all over the world – working for my release.”

Following his brief statement, Curtis thanked the gathered reporters for their attention, asked for time to “bond with [his] mother,” and then walked back home. Curtis did not address how he was treated in captivity, or what his next move would be. He did, however, promise to give the media more information as soon as he can.

Peter was captured in Syria in October 2012, according to KTLA (Los Angeles), and was held by al-Nusra Front, an Islamist terrorist organization described as “ruthless” by The Guardian, with ties to al-Qaeda.

That Peter is alive at all, let alone re-united with his family in Boston, is something of a miracle, considering the fate of American journalist James Foley, who was beheaded by ISIS militants earlier this week.

Peter’s mother, Nancy, has expressed concern for other journalists still being held by militants in the Middle East.

“They have a good reason to be where they were. The journalists were there to bear witness and to interpret and to explain to people what’s going on in the Middle East, and they have the experience to do that intelligently. And the other two were health workers. They were there to give meaning to their lives and make the world a better place. Those are all idealistic people.”

As of this post, it is unclear if Mr. Curtis was mistreated while in captivity. What is known, so far, is that he was held in isolation in a cellar; whether he was tortured or starved is not known at this time. At one point, he was imprisoned with another journalist, Matthew Schrier, who claimed that his captors tortured him, according to The Inquisitr.

More statements from Peter Theo Curtis about his captivity and release are likely to be released in the coming days.