Dad Appeals For NH Journalist's Release From Libya

The father of a U.S. freelance correspondent who's been missing in Libya for two weeks is appealing for his son's release.

John Foley said Sunday marked the 13th night son James Foley, who works for the Boston-based GlobalPost, had been a prisoner of the Libyan government. He appealed to Libya and to leader Moammar Gadhafi to release his son.

"We love our son very much, and we want and need him to be back safely here in New Hampshire," John Foley said from the family's home in Rochester on Sunday, GlobalPost reported. "We are so grateful to all those in this country and around the world who have worked for James' freedom and that of his fellow journalists. We are praying for you, son, and for your swift return home."

James Foley's family and friends later held a candlelight vigil at the family's church in Rochester, GlobalPost reported. Foley's friends also held a vigil Sunday in Chicago for the former Northwestern University graduate student, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Foley, 37, was covering the conflict in Libya for GlobalPost and was taken prisoner April 5 by forces loyal to Gadhafi. Rebel forces have been trying to end Gadhafi's four-decade rule.

Foley regularly contributes videos and dispatches and had been traveling with Libyan rebels, GlobalPost spokesman Rick Byrne said.

Foley also has written for a number of other news organizations including Stars and Stripes and Al Jazeera. He has appeared on PBS and sent video dispatches to CBS. Foley moved to Chicago in 2004, according

Libyan authorities haven't confirmed the whereabouts of Foley and three other Western journalists captured while reporting on the outskirts of the key oil town Brega, where fighting has been continuous, GlobalPost reported.