Fery Santoro's long road to freedom

June 29, 2003: Fery Santoro and fellow RCTI journalist Ersa Siregar are captured by GAM rebels on their way to a refugee camp in Langsa, along with the wives of two Air Force members.

Aug. 23, 2003: The GAM commander overseeing East Aceh, Ishak Daud, demands a cease-fire as a condition for the release of the two journalists and other civilians. The Indonesian Military (TNI) rejects the demand.

Dec. 26, 2003: Ersa is killed in the cross fire during a military assault in East Aceh, according to the TNI. Fery says there were only two unarmed GAM members guarding him and Ersa when the incident occurred.

Jan. 5, 2004: The International Commission for the Red Cross is asked by the government to facilitate Fery's release, in response to demands by GAM for the international agency to act as a mediator.

May 16, 2004: Fery is released after being held for almost a year after the TNI agrees to a 36-hour cease-fire.