In brief
Irish missionary Gena Heraty has been released after a harrowing kidnapping ordeal in Haiti that began on August 3. Her family's statement highlighted their relief and gratitude for her return and requested privacy as she recovers from the 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 release her. In a statement on Friday, Ms Heraty's family confirmed she and 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.\}
