Arjan Erkel is an MSF volunteer and head of mission who was kidnapped in Dagestan on August 12, 2002. Since his kidnapping, Arkel's family and MSF have been undertaking an international campaign to secure his release.
National Geographic - House Arrest
In a segment of the 13 part National Geographic series Life in the Field, the concerns of working in Chechnya are seen through the eyes of MSF volunteers Gabriel Trujillo, from Colombia and his colleague Manana Anjaparidze, from Georgia. MSF is trying to improve conditions for Chechens living in camps in Ingushetiya, Russia, and ensure the refugees are not forced to return to war-torn Chechnya. However kidnapping threats against aid workers force MSF to suspend the mission temporarily. Gabriel and Manana return to Moscow to wait.
The episode has particular relevance to MSF as another MSF worker, Arjan Erkel, was abducted in Dagestan on August 12, 2002 and is still missing.
Arjan's father: "Let Arjan rejoin our lives... Let him go"
The father of Arjan Erkel, Dick, speaks out about the international support the family has received and makes a plea to the kidnappers: "Let Arjan go."
View the video appeal here
The sister of Arjan Erkel, Rosalie, makes an appeal for the release of her brother.
MSF has launched a Russian language website to provide the opportunity for support for Arjan Erkel. click on the Arjan Petition- Russia site
Over 250,000 people have already signed the Arjan Erkel Petition, launched on February 12, six months after the kidnapping of Arjan, an MSF volunteer and Head of Mission in Dagstan.
In the most recent posting to the site, MSF International Council President Morten Rostrup emphasizes the fundamental need for involvement at the highest levels of Russian Government in order to bring about the safe return of Arjan Erkel.
Let him go - Arjan's father
"Thousands of people (have) sent us messages from all over the world; all people (who) cannot understand why a humanitarian volunteer can become a target of such a criminal act. ... I want to thank everybody for their support in so many ways. It is a big help for us in these difficult days. .. We ask the kidnappers, no matter who they are, or where they are: let Arjan rejoin our lives. Give him back. Give him his freedom. Let him go." Click for the video
