EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — Two Americans and their Egyptian guide who were abducted by a Bedouin in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula last Friday have been released unharmed after negotiations with security officials and tribal leaders.
The Rev. Michel (mee-SHEHL') Louis and Lissa Alphonse, both Boston-area residents, had been kidnapped from a bus along with their guide by a Bedouin whose uncle had been detained by Egyptian police on suspicion of drug possession. The kidnapper told AP that he handed the three over to security officials on Monday after he was promised that authorities were working on his uncle's release.
In Boston, the Rev. Louis's family and friends celebrated the news on the porch of his home, hugging and chanting "hallelujah." Joyful parishioners also gathered nearby at the church where Louis is pastor.
His oldest son, the Rev. Jean Louis, said, "We believe in God and let me tell you, He did not let us down."
%@AP Links
APPHOTO BX101: Children of the Rev. Michel Louis, from left: Daniel Louis,, Nathaniel Louis, Debora Luois, and Jean Louis, speak to the media in Boston after talking to their father via satellite phone from Egypt following his release Monday, July 16, 2012. The Rev. Louis, Lissa Alphonse and Egyptian guide Haytham Ragab, who were abducted by a Bedouin in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula last week, were released unharmed Monday after negotiations with security officials and tribal leaders. (AP Photo/Denise Lavoie) (16 Jul 2012)
<<APPHOTO BX101 (07/16/12)>>
