Two Boston Natives Abducted In Egypt
BOSTON (CBS) – Two Boston natives traveling through Egypt have been kidnapped from their tour bus, according to family members.
Pastor Michel Louis of Dorchester and Lissa Alphonse of Everett were abducted in the Sinai Peninsula by an Egyptian Bedouin man, along with their tour guide.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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Louis' son told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that his father was traveling through Egypt on a missionary trip to Israel with his church.
"This is something that he does every year. It's an opportunity he has to bring people together to walk the footsteps of Jesus Christ. A lot of people look forward to it,: Jean Louis said.
Family members on Saturday said that Haitian community is providing the support. They say God is in control and they're putting their faith there.
"We're all in good spirits because we know that the God we serve is in charge of this matter," Jean Louis said.
There was some concern about Michel Louis' health.
"He is diabetic and the longer they hold him, I assume it's not going to work in his favor," Jean Louis said.
The family also say Senators Kerry and Brown's offices are working with the State Department to help bring home Louis and Alphonse.
The man reportedly abducted the tourists to pressure Egyptian authorities to release his uncle from prison.
Jirmy Abu-Masuh of the Tarbeen tribe in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, reportedly told the Associated Press that his captives would remain safe, but that more people would be abducted if his uncle is not released.
"If my uncle gets 50 years (in prison), they will stay with me for 50 years. If they release him, I will release them," he told the Associated Press. "Tomorrow I will kidnap other nationalities and their embassies will be notified for the whole world to know."
Abu-Masuh also told the AP that Louis and Alphonse were being treated as "guests" and given tea, coffee and a traditional lamb dinner.
"I told them `nothing will happen to you. You are my guest'," he reportedly said.
