Cypriot kidnapped in Iraq released after ransom paid
A Cypriot man kidnapped in Iraq four months ago has been released after payment of a $200,000 (€168,898) ransom, relatives said today.
Garabet Jekerjian, 41, who holds both Cypriot and Lebanese citizenship, was kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad in August. It was unclear when he was released.
His aunt, Rita Medzadourian, said: “This was the greatest present for me. I spoke to him and he is fine.”
His brother, Avo Jekerjian, said he was released in Baghdad yesterday afternoon after the family paid the ransom to the kidnappers. He said the company his brother worked for had contributed, but would not say how much.
“It was the best present,” he said by telephone from London. “Of course I’m happy, he’s OK, he’s fine. The ransom was paid and he’s been released.”
The brother added that Garabet Jekerjian would be going to Lebanon on Monday.
He worked for Geto Trading Ltd, a Cyprus-based company supplying food and alcoholic drinks to US forces. Islam prohibits consumption of alcohol.
On September 12, an organisation calling itself “Propagation of Virtue and Prohibition of Vice Group” posted a video on an Islamic website. It showed a man who identified himself as Garabet Jekerjian and a masked captor pointing a gun at his head.
Medzadourian said she found out about his release on Saturday and did not have any other details.
