Two female Italian aid workers freed after being held hostage in Iraq for three weeks have arrived back in Italy. Despite widespread relief there is a potential controversy with suggestions that the Italian government paid off the kidnappers. This report from Tamzin Smith:

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The abduction of the Italians, along with two Iraqi colleagues, was claimed by several organisations, and the circumstances of their release remain a mystery. A Kuwaiti newspaper which just days ago announced the impending release of the hostages, said a one million dollar ransom had been paid. "We didn't give in to blackmail," was the only comment made by an Italian government spokesman. But the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has fuelled speculation that money might have changed hands. He talked about tireless negotiations and a difficult decision.

For many ordinary Italians transfixed by the drama of the two young women, the question of whether a ransom was paid doesn't seem to matter. Even Italy's political class, usually divided over the issue of Iraq, is for now united in relief and celebration.

Tamzin Smith, BBC, Rome

Listen to the words

Heroines
women who have done something brave or good and who are admired by many people.

a jubilant crowd
a large group of people who are feeling happy and successful

tearful
crying

abduction
illegal capture and taking away

the circumstances of their release
details of how they were set free

ransom
an amount of money that is demanded for the release of someone who has been kidnapped

give in to blackmail
agree to cooperate with the demands made by the people who had taken the women hostage

fuelled
made something worse

money might have changed hands
money may have been paid to the hostage takers

tireless
with much energy and without resting

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