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Sophie Pétronin (after her liberation last year)
Photo: STRINGER / AFP
The return of a French hostage freed in Mali last year to the West African crisis country sparked outrage in France.
Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said it was a form of "irresponsibility" with regard to their own safety and the safety of the French soldiers there.
The French Sophie Pétronin was in the hands of hostage takers in Mali between 2016 and 2020.
The Malian government released several dozen prisoners in exchange for the liberation of four hostages.
Upon her arrival in France, Pétronin had been received by President Emmanuel Macron.
While still at the airport, she had declared that she was a Muslim and wanted to return to Mali.
Pétronin took care of neglected children in Mali and is said to have adopted a girl.
Right-wing populist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen described the 76-year-old's behavior as "ungrateful" and "inappropriate".
For their liberation, "200 jihadists" were released, who would now turn their weapons on French soldiers.