Hostage 's release prompts speculation that the French may have struck a deal . Lazarevic was captured on November 24 , 2011 , in Hombori in central Mali and subsequently held in the Sahel . French hostage Serge Lazarevic is released after being held by al Qaeda in Mali . Francois France says there are no longer any French hostages held anywhere . ` ` He is relatively healthy , despite the very harsh conditions of his long captivity , '' says France .
Hostage 's release prompts speculation that the French may have struck a deal . French hostage Serge Lazarevic is released after being held by al Qaeda in Mali . Francois France says there are no longer any French hostages held anywhere . ` ` He is relatively healthy , despite the very harsh conditions of his long captivity , '' says France .