Syrian priest freed by kidnappers, consigned to 'house arrest' by Islamic faction

October 09, 2014

The Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Syria on Sunday, October 5, has been released, but remains under “house arrest” in a village controlled by an Islamic militant group.

Father Hanna Jallouf was released on October 9. Four women who were among the 20 hostages seized by armed Islamic militants were set free a day earlier. But the remaining hostages are still in the rebels’ custody.

Bishop Georges Abou Khazen of Aleppo told the Fides news service that Father Jallouf is healthy, “but there is no news of the release of the men who were kidnapped with him.” The Franciscan priest is now under “house arrest” in the village of Knayeh, a Christian community in which he was serving when he was seized.

Father Khazen was reportedly sentenced to house arrest by the local Islamic court. The village is held by Jabhat al-Nusra, a jihadist group.

 

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Further information:

• Father Jallouf Hanna has been released (Fides)
• Fr Hanna released, fate of co-religionists unknown (AsiaNews)
• The four women abducted along with Father Hanna have been released; no message from the kidnappers (Fides)
• Priest kidnapped in Syria had asked Islamic court for protection (CWN, 10/8)