MALAYSIA: The parents of 12 year-old Nayati Shamelin Moodliar, who was kidnapped on his way to school last week, are grateful for his return

Record ID: 858416

  • Title: MALAYSIA: The parents of 12 year-old Nayati Shamelin Moodliar, who was kidnapped on his way to school last week, are grateful for his return
  • Date: 5th May 2012
  • Summary: REPORTERS OUTSIDE BUILDING VARIOUS OF MOODLIAR'S PARENTS, SHAM MOODLIAR AND JANICE SMITH, WALKING INTO BUILDING SURROUNDED BY REPORTERS MOODLIAR AND SMITH TAKING SEATS FOR NEWS CONFERENCE REPORTERS (SOUNDBITE) (English) FATHER OF NAYATI SHAMELIN MOODLIAR, SHAM MOODLIAR, SAYING: "I really want to thank the people all around the world because, you know, I think this is
  • Embargoed: 20th May 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Malaysia
  • City:
  • Country: Malaysia
  • Topics: People
  • Reuters ID: LVACWZ5NNMTIW1EZ1ZFOE44E54TO
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: The parents of Nayati Shamelin Moodliar on Friday (May 4) spoke of their relief at having their son return home again after a five-day kidnap ordeal.
    The 12 year-old Dutch national was snatched by two men last Friday (April 27) morning on his way from his home to the Mont Kiara International School, nestled in an affluent area of Kuala Lumpur.
    His parents Sham Moodliar and Janice Smith expressed their gratitude to people around the world during a news conference in the Malaysian capital, saying they were thankful for the love and support that helped them through a dark period for their family.
    "I really want to thank the people all around the world because, you know, I think this is not a story about kidnap anymore. This is really a story of human compassion and courage and friendship and love that was beyond differences. The whole world came together to bring this boy back through their energy with everything that they could do," said the boy's father Sham Moodliar.
    The boy was finally released on Thursday (May 3) morning in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. According to local media reports, police confirmed that a ransom was paid.
    His family said he was in good shape when freed and was determined to continue his life as before.
    "And he went back to the school, and he addressed the school and thanked them. And he decided to take the walk back home. And he said to me, 'Dad I left on Friday, I walked to school, and today I'm walking back home, they can't beat me'. And he walked with all his friends back. And I think that was a very strong gesture for him, in the process of his healing, not to be afraid and to carry on and to go through his routine."
    Malaysian police on Thursday said the case was being investigated and that no one had yet been arrested.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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