Former Area Student Released By Syrian Government
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - A former Oakland County college student who disappeared in Syria has been released by the Syrian government and is safe with his father. The 21-year-old Obada Mzaik, who was born in Ohio and lived in Michigan, had been missing for three weeks in Syria before his release Wednesday afternoon.
"We're grateful that he's back with his family, and we're grateful to the community for showing support to the family during difficult days," said Firas Nashef, a Farmington Hills dentist, in a statement.
Family members also thanked the U.S. Embassy and the State Department for their assistance, but said, for now, they would not offer further comment.
Nashef said, earlier this week, that he feared for his nephew's life because of the human rights violations happening in Syria.
It's still not clear why Mzaik was being held.
