Rector released

Fr Samy Al Raiys (photo), rector of the major seminary of the Chaldean Patriarchate in Baghdad, has been released after six days in captivity. The news about his release was published on the official internet site of the Patriarchate. Little more is known so far, but sources from Baghdad close to the Chaldean community said the priest was fine.

Fr Samy had not been seen since he was kidnapped on the morning of 4 December near his home. Two days later, he was due to take part in the inauguration of the new academic year of the “Simon Peter” seminary, whose lectures had been suspended since last summer for security reasons.