French Teacher Missing, Feared Kidnaped in Beirut
BEIRUT — A French schoolteacher was missing and feared kidnaped in Muslim West Beirut today in a move police said might be linked to pressure on Paris to free jailed Arabs.
The teacher was identified as Michel Brian, 45, who diplomatic sources said was last seen Tuesday night walking away from a West Beirut cafe on his way home from Protestant College, where he has worked since 1980.
“He did not report to work this morning and we suspect that he has been kidnaped,” a police source said.
Brian was the ninth Frenchman to disappear in the last year and was one of the last French teachers still working in West Beirut.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
