As announced by the world media, the Greek teacher Thanasis Lerounis was kidnapped in Northern Pakistan, in region Chitral at the border with Afghanistan. Lerounis has been working as a teacher in Krakal for many years and he is also leader of the nongovernmental organization "Greek volunteers". On Tuesday 12 armed men entered his home in Kalash valley and kidnapped him, one of his bodyguards and another teacher, when before that they killed his other bodyguard. After some time the kidnappers released the other two victims but they are still holding Thanasis Lerounis.
The Greek volunteer has been working in Pakistan for 15 years and his efforts are targeted towards preserving the original culture and civilization of the Kalash valley citizens. Pakistani English newspaper Dawn wrote that the kidnappers took Lerounis on the other side of the border with Afghanistan in the Nuristan province. The publication quotes policemen, who claim that the armed kidnappers spoke Pashto.
The case is handled by the Greek embassy in Islamabad and the Greek Foreign Ministry, which is in touch with the Lerounis' family. Up until now the kidnappers have not announced any conditions for the teacher's release.
The Kalash valley citizens live in the foot of the Himalayas at 3000 meters above sea level and they are divided into three communities - Bumboret, where most of the citizens live, Birir and Rumbur. According to Elizabeth Mela-Athanasopoulou, teacher in Thessaloniki University, the total population of Kalash is a bit over 3000 people, who live in 15 villages.
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
