The International Committee of the Red Cross has removed from its social media platforms a 2016 animated video featuring the Afghan man now accused of murdering British volunteer Elisabeth-Jane “Lisa” Ross in Athens, saying the decision was made out of respect for her family.
The animation was produced after Red Cross staff interviewed the then-minor at the Moria reception center on the island of Lesbos, documenting his account of fleeing Afghanistan following the deaths of his parents and his journey through Turkey to Greece. The video depicted human traffickers as a giant menacing hand and described how an American couple later cared for him after his arrival in Greece.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Red Cross spokesperson Scott Craig said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ross at this extremely difficult time. The video is no longer publicly available. We took this decision out of respect for the victim’s family while legal proceedings continue.”
Although removed from the organization’s official accounts, copies of the animation remain available on other online platforms.
The 26-year-old Afghan national, who has been charged in connection with Ross’ killing, exercised his right to remain silent during his appearance before the investigating magistrate, according to Greek media reports. His defense reportedly argues that the case file remains incomplete and is awaiting the addition of further evidence.
Earlier this week, Ross’ family issued its first public statement since her death, paying tribute to the 38-year-old British volunteer but making no reference to the suspect or the ongoing criminal investigation.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Greece and Britain. Over the past week, as local media reported that investigators continue to examine forensic and digital evidence while reconstructing the victim’s final movements before she was found dead in her apartment in the central Athens district of Kypseli.
The Ross’ family has appealed for privacy as the investigation proceeds and said authorities remain focused on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
