In brief
Gena Heraty, the director of an orphanage in Haiti, has been released after being abducted by gang members earlier this month. Her family expressed profound relief at her return and thanked those involved in her recovery. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about security and safety in Haiti, underlining the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in the country.
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.
The abduction prompted worldwide appeals from the charity employing her to secure her release.
In a statement on Friday, Ms. Heraty's family confirmed that she, alongside the other captives, had been freed and extended their gratitude to everyone involved in her recovery.
The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbors, 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, the family's priority is on Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - along with the well-being of those in her care, urging the media to respect their request for privacy as all involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.
}
