An American couple who were held for ransom in Haiti have been released after almost a month of captivity. The couple, identified as Christian and Martine Barth, were abducted on October 16th while visiting family in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
According to reports, the couple was taken by a group of armed men who demanded a ransom of $2 million for their release. The Barth family, who are originally from Indiana, reportedly worked with the FBI and Haitian authorities to negotiate the couple’s release.
After weeks of negotiations, the couple was finally released on November 14th. The details of their release have not been made public, but it is believed that a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.
The Barth family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the efforts of those who worked to secure Christian and Martine’s release. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to bring our loved ones home safely,” the statement read. “We cannot express our gratitude enough.”
The kidnapping of foreigners is not uncommon in Haiti, which has been plagued by political instability and high levels of crime for years. In recent months, the situation in the country has worsened due to ongoing protests and violence.
The US State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans against traveling to Haiti due to the high levels of crime and civil unrest. The advisory states that “violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common” and that “kidnapping is a threat throughout Haiti.”
The release of the Barth couple is a rare piece of good news in a country that has been struggling with violence and instability for years. While their release is certainly cause for celebration, it also highlights the ongoing dangers faced by foreigners traveling to Haiti.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, it is important for travelers to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest developments. While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of kidnapping or other forms of violence, taking steps to minimize risk can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
