Mon Oct 07 18:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Irish Mother Pleads for Help in Reuniting with Son Held in Lebanon

**Belfast, October 7, 2024** – A distraught mother is appealing to the Irish government for help in retrieving her two-year-old son, David Nahle, from war-torn Lebanon. Catherine Flanagan, a Belfast resident, has not seen her son since January, after he was taken by his father, Dr. Mustapha Nahle, during a family vacation in August 2022.

David, who holds both Irish and British citizenship, is currently being held by his father, a consultant anaesthetist in Rafik Hariri University Hospital. Despite a UK court order issued in July granting full custody to Ms. Flanagan, Dr. Nahle has refused to release the child, citing safety concerns in Lebanon.

Ms. Flanagan has described a harrowing situation, claiming her husband drugged her and forced her to take medication during their trip. She is now desperately seeking the intervention of the Irish government, particularly Taoiseach Simon Harris, to assist in David’s safe return.

“We can’t leave David there, it’s too dangerous,” Ms. Flanagan pleaded. “He is an Irish citizen, why is nobody helping?” She has organized four evacuation flights for her son, but each attempt was thwarted by Dr. Nahle’s refusal.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they are aware of the case and have provided guidance, but declined to comment on specific details. The Taoiseach’s office has been contacted for comment.

This case highlights the difficulties faced by parents in international custody disputes, especially in conflict zones. Ms. Flanagan’s urgent plea underscores the need for immediate action to ensure David’s safety and return to his mother.

Read More