Kristiana Barsone Arzdiakono, the Hungarian woman linked to the “exploding pagers” incidents in Lebanon, is currently under the protection of Hungarian intelligence agencies, according to her mother, as reported by the Associated Press.
Her mother explained that Kristiana received unspecified threats and now stays in a secure location. Hungarian intelligence protects her and advised her to avoid media contact.
Hungarian national security authorities have yet to comment, and the Associated Press has not independently verified these claims.
Reuters reports that Kristiana, 49, holds Italian and Hungarian citizenships. She speaks seven languages and earned a PhD in particle physics. Her Budapest apartment is filled with her own paintings. Kristiana has worked on humanitarian projects across Africa and Europe.
An acquaintance who met her at social events in Budapest described her as “easy to manipulate.” The person requested anonymity.
After revelations that BAC Consulting, Kristiana’s company, holds a license to design pagers from Taiwan’s Gold Apollo, she denied manufacturing the devices. She told NBC News, “I’m just a mediator. I think you misunderstood.”
Since then, Kristiana has not appeared publicly. Neighbors haven’t seen her, and she hasn’t responded to requests for comment. Her apartment in Budapest remains closed.
