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Irish Missionary Gena Heraty Released After Kidnapping in Haiti

Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary and director of an orphanage in Haiti, has been released after being kidnapped by gang members. Her family expresses relief and gratitude for the global support during her ordeal.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Irish Missionary Gena Heraty Released After Kidnapping in Haiti
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

Gena Heraty, a missionary from Ireland, was freed after being kidnapped in Kenscoff, Haiti on August 3. Following worldwide appeals for her release, her family has expressed immense relief and thanked all those involved in her recovery. Their current priority is Heraty's health and privacy as she recuperates from her traumatic experience.

The family of kidnapped missionary Gena Heraty in Haiti have said they are 'relieved beyond words' at her release.

Ms Heraty, who is originally from Westport in County Mayo, is the director of an orphanage in Haiti, and was among several people taken by alleged gang members in Kenscoff, near the capital, on 3 August.

It prompted worldwide appeals from the charity that employs her to the kidnappers to release her.

In a statement on Friday, Ms Heraty's family confirmed she, alongside the other captives had been freed and thanked those involved in her recovery.

'The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support,' the statement added.

'For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care.'

'We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.'

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