An Italian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan has been released and is fine after 24 days in captivity, government officials from both countries said on Thursday. Clementina Cantoni, 32, was kidnapped by four gunmen on a Kabul street on May 16. Her abduction mobilised protesters in Afghanistan and Italy amid contradicting reports about her fate, including rumours that she had been killed. "I am pleased to announce that this evening we were able to free Clementina Cantoni who was taken hostage 24 days ago by a criminal gang in Kabul," Afghan Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali told a news conference. Cantoni, who works for the Care International aid agency, was in good condition and had been in touch with her family, he said.