Report on kidnapped bishops in Syria 22 April 2013-2016
22 APRIL 2013-2016: THE NEGLECTED CASE OF
THE TWO KIDNAPPED ARCHBISHOPS OF SYRIA
Today it is three years since, on April 22, 2013, the two archbishops of Aleppo, the Syriac Orthodox H.E. Mor Gregorius Yuhanna Ibrahim and the Greek (also called Rum or Melkite) Orthodox H.E. Boulos Yazigi, were kidnapped by unidentified armed men in the north of Syria.
Since their abduction, we are still no closer to knowing what really happened to these prelates. Neither are we closer to confirming the identity and motives of the kidnappers. There has been no progress on this question and many people around the world, notably the Arameans (Syriacs), continue to think and ask about the whereabouts of their religious leaders. In light of the increasing victimization and decline of the Middle Eastern Christians, it is remarkable that this case has hardly received the necessary attention of governments and mainstream media alike.
Therefore, this report will first briefly summarize what reportedly has happened three years ago, then sum up the noteworthy chronological developments of this case, review the role of politicians and media, and end with some remarks and questions that still demand answers.
OUTLINE OF THE WCA REPORT, PUBLISHED ON 22 APRIL 2016:
I. The abduction of the two archbishops of Aleppo, Syria
II. Noteworthy Chronological Chain of Events
III. The Role of the International Political Community
IV. The Role of the Mainstream Media
V. Final remarks: Abduction case a prelude to end of Aramean Christianity in Syria?
ENDNOTES
Click here to read and download (.PDF) this 6-page summary Report !
Click also here for the WCA file of the kidnapped archbishops
