Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Urges Release of Captive Italian Priest
A rights watchdog expressed fears Friday that an Italian Jesuit priest who went to meet with jihadists in northern Syria has been taken prisoner, calling for his immediate release.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' call for Father Paolo Dall'Oglio's release comes three days after he went to meet with commanders of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).
The Britain-based Observatory "has reports that Father Paolo Dall'Oglio has been missing since Monday afternoon, when he went to the headquarters of ISIS" in the northern city of Raqa, an al-Qaida front group.
It cited activists there, the only provincial capital to have been lost by the regime, as saying they demonstrated outside ISIS headquarters to demand Dall'Oglio's release.
"ISIS fighters told (the activists on Friday) that Father Paolo was their guest," said the Observatory.
The Britain-based watchdog called "for Father Paolo's immediate release and holds ISIS responsible for any harm caused."
The Observatory and activists said Dall'Oglio had asked friends to report him missing should he not return from his meeting within three days.
According to the Observatory, Dall'Oglio had gone to meet with ISIS commanders to try to negotiate peace between Kurds and jihadists and to plea for the release of activists kidnapped by the group.
ISIS is behind the kidnapping of several activists in Raqa.
Long based in Syria, Dall'Oglio is a fierce critic of President Bashar Assad's regime and its crackdown against dissent.
Known for his charisma and good relations with peaceful activists, he has lobbied several Arab and Western officials to support the democratic opposition for fear of the rise of radical Islamism.
On Saturday, the priest posted a message on his Facebook page expressing joy that he was visiting Raqa.
"I arrived today in Raqa and I was filled with joy for two reasons. First, because I am in Syrian territory and in a liberated city, and second because of the remarkable welcome that this beautiful city has given me," he wrote.
No new posts have been made on his account since.
Source: Agence France Presse
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