Moroccan student Brahim Saadoun, who had been detained in Ukraine, arrived in Casablanca from Saudi Arabia after he was released following a mediation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Dozens of media outlets were at Mohammed V International Airport to cover Saadoun's arrival, while his father, Taher, was eagerly waiting to see his son.
The plane from Saudi Arabia landed on Saturday around about 8:00 PM, and the Moroccan authorities took Saadoun out from the back door, where he went straight to his home in Casablanca.
Taher told the press he was happy with the return of his son and thanked the Moroccan and Saudi authorities for facilitating his return.
"I thank Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his initiative," he added.
Brahim "has suffered from the imprisonment, but he will recover and get back to his studies," said Taher.
Brahim said he was happy to come home after going through a difficult time, noting that he wants to draw attention to the difficult situation in Ukraine and the struggle of its people. He did not express any remorse for participating in the fight against Russia.
He thanked the Moroccan people for supporting his parents.
Brahim's mother expressed joy, asserting that they only allowed him to travel because they wanted a better future for him.
Last April, Brahim was one of ten foreign prisoners of war, including five British and two US citizens, arrested in Donetsk. He was sentenced to death for carrying out a mercenary activity.
Brahim was transferred to Saudi Arabia as part of the exchange of 200 prisoners.
