Freed Kerala priest Father Tom says Yemeni captors did him no physical harm

Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil, the Indian Catholic priest who was freed after being held 18 months in Yemen by the Islamic State says he was never physically harmed during his captivity.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil wipes tears from his eyes after a moment of commotion during a press conference on his recent rescue from Yemeni militants, in Rome. (AP)

VATICAN CITY: Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil, the Indian Catholic priest who was freed after being held 18 months in Yemen by the Islamic State says he was never physically harmed during his captivity, even if his captors feigned hitting him on videos seeking ransom.

FatherTom told reporters Saturday that his kidnappers "have not injured me at all."

Indian officials announced Tuesday that Uzhunnalil had been freed and brought to Vatican City. The head of the Salesian order to which Uzhunnalil belongs, Don. A.F. Artime, said they have no knowledge of any ransom having been paid.

Father Tom.

Uzhunnalil lost about 30 kilograms (66 pounds) during his ordeal and was generally weakened. Uzhunnalil said his captors procured tablets to treat his diabetes, and took care of him by giving him food and encouraging exercise indoors.