Anfal and Fares True Crime podcast

This is a transcription of a True Crime Podcast episode where the host interviews a man named Mark Thompson who was kidnapped and managed to escape. Mark was an ordinary office worker who was abducted after leaving a cafe. He was held in a dimly lit room for several weeks, but he used his observation skills to gather information about his captors and plan his escape. Eventually, he executed his plan and reached safety. Mark felt relief when he escaped and was reunited with his family. He couldn't think clearly during his captivity due to fear, and the white walls made him feel trapped. He was held for around 36 hours, which felt incredibly slow. The podcast host thanks Mark for sharing his story, and they end with a message of strength and resilience. Welcome back listeners to another thrilling episode of True Crime Podcast, I'm your host Farez and today we have an incredibly compelling story to share with you. Brace yourselves for a gripping tale of a man's horroring experience of being kidnapped and his courageous journey to freedom. Our story begins with a seemingly ordinary life in the life of our protagonist Mark Thompson. Little did he know that his world was about to be turned upside down. Mark, an ordinary office worker with an uneventful routine, suddenly finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I had just finished another exhausting day at work and decided to unwind at my favorite local cafe, completely unaware that I was being watched by a group of criminals. As the night grew darker, the streets became emptier, and I became this unsuspecting target. It was a quiet night when I left the cafe, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a sharp blur in the back of my head. My vision blurred, and before I knew it, I was being dragged into a waiting vehicle. The next thing I remember is waking up in an unfamiliar, dimly lit room. My hands down and my heart starting to pound with fear. I could only imagine the terror that consumed my heart as I struggled to make sense of the surroundings. Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks. My resilience and determination to survive kicked in as I began observing every detail, looking for any chance to escape. Through the darkness, I discovered a glimmer of hope. I managed to overhear fragments of conversations between the captors, giving me clues about their motives and weaknesses. I knew that I had to exploit any opportunity that presented itself if I wanted to regain my freedom. Days turned into weeks, and the tension mounted. I relentlessly pursued freedom, which led to devising a diving plan. I knew it was risky, but I had to prepare to take the chance, believing that it was my only shot at survival. Using my wit and stealth, I executed the escaping plan. Evading my captors and navigating the labyrinth of their hideout. With every heartbeat, I grew closer to freedom, desperate to reunite with my loved ones and share my unbelievable story with the world. It was a heart-stopping race against time as I made my way through the dark abyss, searching for a way back to safety. Finally, I reached a location where I could find help and contact the authorities. With trembling hands, I dialed the emergency hotline and shared my remarkable tale of survival. The news of my escape spread like wildfire, capturing the attention of media and leaving people outstruck. I became a symbol of resilience, reminding us all of the strength of humans first when faced with unimaginable adversity. So Mark, tell us, how did you feel when you finally escaped? I felt relief, finally being able to escape from those four men who had viciously grabbed me by the neck and pinned me to the ground. I was relieved that I was able to be back with my family, who I hadn't seen for the fearful 24 hours I was locked up in a silent room with white walls and nothing to be seen. So Mark, were you able to think clearly? And if you were, what thoughts occurred? I was not able to think clearly. I was trembling with fear as I was locked up in the white walled room. Everything was white, the floor was white, the ceiling was white, everything was white, even the lights were white. Having this said, I was not able to think clearly. The only thing on my mind was trying to escape. Well Mark, we thank you. Oh, what's this? One second. Hello, who's this? Oh, I understand. Mark, one of the audience has a question for you. The listener told me to ask you how many hours were you held in captivity? I was held in captivity for around 36 hours. And did the hours go by fast for you? No, it was incredibly slow. I couldn't think properly. The white walls created a vivid image in my head of evilness. Did the walls feel like they were coming to crush you in? Yes, incredibly. It felt as if they were coming closer by the minute and by the second. Well Mark, thank you for being here. Yes, and thank you for inviting me. It was a pleasure to tell my story and thank you for inviting me. And thank you to our weekly listeners. Until then, stay safe, stay vigilant, and remember that strength conquers the darkest moments that lie within all of us. Thank you for listening.