30-11-2024 05:42 AM Jerusalem Timing

After Four Months, 7 Abducted Estonians Freed

After Four Months, 7 Abducted Estonians Freed

The seven Estonians, who were kidnapped in east Lebanon after entering the country on a bicycle tour from Syria, were released Thursday, almost four months after the abduction.

The seven Estonians, who were kidnapped in east Lebanon after entering the country on a bicycle tour from Syria, were released Thursday, almost four months after the abduction.

"The seven returned to the town of Arsal (Eastern Bekaa Valley) and seem to be in good health," France Press quoted a Lebanese security official who spoke on condition of anonymity as saying.

For his part, Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel confirmed the information, emphasizing that “this was accomplished by the efforts of the security apparatuses and the cooperation of European countries.”

Charbel said in a TV interview that “"our sole priority now is to ensure they safely arrive to Beirut… they are now on their way to the French embassy.”

The interior Minister further clarified that investigations are in progress and three people are arrested until now.

The seven Estonians, who are in their 30s, were arrested on the 23rd of March. Seven people were previously arrested over the case, but were later released due to the absence of solid evidence.

An unknown group called Haraket Al-Nahda W Al-Islah (Progress and Reform Movement) adopted the abduction in a message it sent to a Lebanese website, and later came out with another message demanding a ransom for releasing the detainees.

The abducted Estonians also appeared in a video that was published over the internet, where they asked their government as well as other countries to help releasing them.