Communicated by the Foreign
Ministry Spokesman
 Jerusalem, June 4, 2000

Kidnapped Israeli Boy Released

 

Adi Sharon, a twelve year old Israeli citizen who was kidnapped in Moscow ten months ago, was freed yesterday at 04:00 by special forces of the Russian Police. The rescue took place in the town of Penza, 500 km south of the capital. Adi Sharon is recovering in the police hospital in Moscow, and is expected to arrive in Israel together with his father at the beginning of next week.

Foreign Minister David Levy was personally dealing with the case and was in contact with the former Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and with Foreign Minister Ivanov. In addition, the Israel Embassy in Moscow dealt with the various aspects of the case, and was in contact with the Russian Government and the law enforcement authorities, on an ongoing basis. Israel wishes to convey its appreciation to the Russian Police for its actions and for the successful rescue operation.

With the release of Adi Sharon, there are now no other Israeli abduction victims in Russia.