` ` We are pretty hopeful this is a means to their release , '' a spokesman told reporters . London ( CNN ) -- A pair of British journalists held by a Libyan militia have been handed over to the central government , British government sources said Wednesday in what one called a possible step toward their freedom . David Smith and Gareth Montgomery - Johnson were seized in late February . A Libyan militia accused them of lacking proper identity papers .
` ` We are pretty hopeful this is a means to their release , '' a spokesman told reporters . David Smith and Gareth Montgomery - Johnson were seized in late February . A Libyan militia accused them of lacking proper identity papers .