The families of two Spanish journalists have come forward to reveal the pair’s kidnapping in Syria. Journalist Javier Espinosa and photographer Ricardo Garcia Vilanova were reportedly seized by al-Qaeda-linked rebels in September. Espinosa’s wife, Monica Prieto, urged the kidnappers to set them free.

Monica Prieto: “Well, I just wanted to transmit the idea that all the journalists covering Syria are risking their lives for the Syrian revolution, I mean, for the Syrian people, for the Syrian freedom, democracy, etc. So I think no Syrians, even in the Islamic state — I mean, they should think carefully about what are they doing for the revolution, for the Syrian country, for the Syrian freedom, by kidnapping journalists.”

The families say they have come forward because of an impasse in talks with the pair’s captors. The two were apparently trying to leave Syria near the border with Turkey when they were seized.