<div>Michael travelled to Istanbul for Easter — he's now been detained since April 10 and needs urgent legal support.
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<div>We are the family of Michael, and we have created this page to help support him.
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<div>We never imagined we would be in this difficult position.
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<div>Someone very close to us Michael, a Greek-Australian, is currently being held in Istanbul after an incident that took place inside Hagia Sophia earlier this month.
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<div>He had travelled there for a short trip over Easter with plans to return home and to his work thereafter. Instead, he has been detained since April 10, 2026, and everything has been put on hold.
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<div>We just want him home. He was meant to be back by now, and every day that passes is incredibly distressing for all of us.
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<div>Michael is a professional in his field, with a family and responsibilities waiting for him. What people see in the media is only a small part of the situation — the reality behind it is navigating a legal system in a foreign country, far from home, and trying to manage the emotional and financial pressure that comes with it.
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<div>We have spoken with lawyers, and the costs are far beyond what our family can manage alone. Between legal representation, court expenses, translation services, and other necessary costs, we have been advised this could reach six figures.
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<div>We are starting with an initial goal to cover urgent legal costs, with the understanding that total expenses may be significantly higher as the case progresses.
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<div>We are asking for your help to support him through this.
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<div>Any contribution will go directly towards his legal defence and the expenses required to see this process through. Even sharing this page can make a real difference.
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<div>We will continue to post updates as things progress and will do our best to remain transparent along the way.
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<div>Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you’re able to give.
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Chris and Nicole Sofotasios

Anonymous

MARY SANTORINEOS

ELONA HAMZAJ

ELECTRA KYRKOS

Leandros Papadopoulos

Greg & Anna Vagias

Andrew Rigogiannis

George Liatsos

Help Michael with Legal Support in Istanbul

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Help Michael with Legal Support in Istanbul

Still $4,780 to go. Help us build momentum.