Afghanistan ? Three journalists picked up by coalition forces or the Afghan intelligence service for their suspected links to Taliban propaganda networks have been freed after brief detentions that prompted angry reaction from journalism advocates and President Hamid Karzai’s call for their quick release.

NATO said Friday that it had released Mohammad Nadir, a television cameraman for al-Jazeera, and Rahmatullah Naikzad, who worked for both al-Jazeera and The Associated Press.

“After reviewing the initial intelligence and information received during questioning, the two men were not considered a significant security threat and were released,” said Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, communications director for the NATO-led military coalition. “During their brief detention, they were treated humanely and in accordance with international law and U.S. policies.”

A third journalist, Hojatullah Mujadadi, a radio station manager in Kapisa province north of Kabul, who was being held by Afghan intelligence officials also has been freed, NATO said.