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Canadian missing in Afghanistan, Canada says

By the CNN Wire Staff
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: Video shows man purportedly apprehended by the Taliban
  • NEW: In the video, the man answers questions
  • NEW: He was visiting Afghanistan as a tourist, Canada says

(CNN) -- Canada's government on Monday confirmed the disappearance of a Canadian citizen in Afghanistan, saying he traveled there as a tourist.

The Canadian government is also aware that the Taliban on Sunday issued a news release and video purported to be of the Canadian, said spokeswoman Lisa Monette of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs.

In the video, a man identifies himself as Colin Rutherford, a 26-year-old auditor from Canada. The man, who is interviewed in English, answers questions that include his name, father's name, nationality, religion and interest in Afghanistan.

In the video, he says his interest in history drew him to Afghanistan in October, and the Taliban apprehended him within days of his arrival. The Taliban had treated humanely, says the man, who describes himself as an agnostic.

CNN has not independently confirmed the authenticity of the video.

CNN's Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.