AHI Board Member Gerasoulis Highlighted in Greek, International Media for Advocacy to Protect Nigerian Christians
Mr. Gerasoulis, who met with Senator Ted Cruz in October alongside the movement’s Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, discusses the meeting and its impact with To Vima, one of Greece’s major news outlets
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) announced that AHI Board Member Elias Gerasoulis has been prominently featured in Greek and international media for his instrumental role in spurring U.S. government actions to protect Christians in Nigeria.
To Vima, one of Greece’s major news outlets, published a detailed piece by journalist, Petros Kasfikis, describing how Mr. Gerasoulis’ lobbying campaign to highlight what he characterizes as a Christian genocide before the U.S. Congress helped spur the White House and President Donald J. Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and to threaten potential military action toward the Nigerian government. Gerasoulis and his firm have also been featured in other international media outlets, and senior Nigerian government officials have openly criticized his advocacy.
Background
Gerasoulis, a Washington, DC-based lobbyist representing foreign clients, advocates on behalf of Biafra, the Christian southeast region of Nigeria seeking independence through the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). For context, the southern part of Nigeria is predominantly Christian, while the north is predominantly Muslim. Reports indicate mass persecution of Christians and widespread killings by Islamic terrorist organizations. Nigeria is governed by an Islamist regime.
“I started my career at the American Hellenic Institute as legislative director and in-house lobbyist,” Gerasoulis said. “During my time at AHI, I became involved in promoting international religious freedom, especially in promoting the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Christians in Turkey. As such, I must credit both AHI and AHI President Nick Larigakis for introducing me to the importance of international religious freedom issues, which I carry with me to this very day.”
“We are pleased to see Elias’s commitment to international religious freedom receive the recognition it deserves,” President Nick Larigakis said. “His career began at AHI, and his continued work to protect Christian communities in challenging environments reflects the values our organization has championed for decades. We’re proud he brings those values to our board.”
American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is a respected and independent nonprofit, public policy and advocacy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community
