A recent Reuters report sheds light on Christiana Barsony Archidiacono, the Hungarian woman linked to Tuesday’s pager explosions in Lebanon, which targeted Hezbollah members.
Background and Education
Christiana, 49, holds dual Italian and Hungarian citizenship. She speaks seven languages and has a Ph.D. in particle physics. Her Budapest apartment is filled with self-painted artwork, and her career spans humanitarian work across Africa and Europe. She holds the role of CEO at “PAC Consulting,” which has a license to design pagers from the Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo.
Her Role in the Explosions
Despite being associated with the company, Christiana denied manufacturing the devices that exploded. In an NBC interview, she stated, “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.” Since this statement, she has not made any further public appearances. Neighbors in Budapest said they haven’t seen her, and her apartment remains closed.
Insights from Acquaintances
One acquaintance described her as “easy to manipulate,” adding that she had good intentions but was overly enthusiastic. Killion Kleinschmidt, a former UN relief director, hired her in 2019 for a Dutch-funded program in Tunisia. He later fired her, citing her aggressive management style.
Disappearance and Silence
Reuters tried reaching Christiana for comment, but she didn’t respond to calls or emails. Her Budapest apartment appeared empty. A neighbor described her as quiet and kind but frequently in touch with others.
Early Life and Academic Career
Christiana grew up in a working-class family in Sicily. A former schoolmate said she was very reserved. In the 2000s, she earned her Ph.D. from University College London, but she didn’t continue her academic career.
Questionable Work Experience
Christiana’s resume mentions her role as a “board member” of the Earth Child Institute in New York, though the institute’s founder denied her involvement. She also listed work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but the IAEA said she only trained there for eight months.
Closing Remarks
Christiana’s PAC Consulting website has since gone offline. Her resume highlighted her ability to work in diverse environments, using analytical and linguistic skills, but many of her claims remain unverified.
