Pioneers, Thinkers, Translators, and Travellers
Yvonne Ridley
From Taliban captivity to reading the Qur'an
United Kingdom2003
British journalist Yvonne Ridley entered Afghanistan in 2001 in disguise, seeking an exclusive report, and was arrested by the Taliban on suspicion of spying. She expected torture and humiliation, but later said that the treatment she received sharply contradicted the image she had held of Muslims. While in captivity, she promised to read the Qur'an if she was released. Back in Britain, she kept that promise, studied Islam for nearly two years, and declared her conversion in 2003. She continued her media work and became a prominent voice in defence of Muslims and humanitarian causes.