ITALIAN HOSTAGE 'KILLED'

Sky News ^ | 8/26/04

[areafiftyone]

The kidnappers of Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni, taken hostage in Iraq, have said that they have killed him, Al Jazeera has reported.     

The television station said it had received footage showing Mr Baldoni after he had been killed.

A group called the Islamic Army in Iraq had claimed to have seized Mr Baldoni, who disappeared near Najaf several days ago.   

The kidnappers were calling for Italy to withdraw its 2,700 troops from Iraq, the third largest foreign military contingent in the country, but Italy has refused.    

It said it killed Mr Baldoni because of the refusal, Al Jazeera reported.    

As well as reporting for Italian newspapers, Mr Baldoni was volunteering for the Red Cross while in Iraq.      

He and his driver-interpreter were reportedly caught in an ambush between Baghdad and Najaf. His driver was found dead on Saturday.      

Mr Baldoni's daughter Gabriella Baldoni, said: "He was trying to save human lives in Najaf by helping a Red Cross convoy in a spirit of solidarity which has always underscored his thinking and his actions." 

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said of the killing: "There are no words for an inhuman act which all at once wipes out centuries of civilisation and returns us to the dark times of barbarism."

Four other Italians have been taken hostage in Iraq since militants began employing the technique in April to pressure US allies and businesses to leave the country.

One of them, civilian security guard Fabrizio Quattrocchi, was shot dead, while three others were released unharmed.

[tet68]

The Italians need to come back and let them know that
they are increasing their commitment
of troops, and they will do it every time this happens.

Another son of Italy dead.

[johnb838]

I just can't think of anything to say. God Damn these evil monsters.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Muchos Gracias Espana

[BlindGuardian]

*sigh* You just can't live in a perfect world can you?

[daylate-dollarshort]

Sheeeese...... these guys are an affront to the human race. This reminds me- what ever came of the soldier who they claimed was shot in the head. Last I heard the military was noncommittal as to whether he was executed or not. Something about poor video quality. Anyone know??

[farmfriend]

they have killed him, Al Jazeera has reported.

Like this was a big surprise. Got to give the Italians credit for standing their ground.

[BagCamAddict]

Brave Fabrizio Quattrocchi: "Now I'll show you how an Italian dies!"

I hope Enzo Baldoni showed them exactly the same kind of Italian courage.

And moreso, I hope the Italian government doubles their troop numbers in Iraq to show them how Italy avenges the death of one of their own!

I'm going to email the Italian consulate with my condolences and my encouragement for their continued support in the WOT and in Iraq.

[Walkingfeather]

No need to cuss....just get the target in the cross hairs, hold your breath, squeeze, exhale, aquire next target....

[blam]

SOB's!!

[HitmanLV]

I find myself quoting 'The Godfather' more and more....

"We need a wartime Consigliere. A Sicilian!!!"

[hershey]

We should level Najif and Fallujah in response.

[lilylangtree]

Deepest condolences to his family. The story indicates execution--does that mean beheaded and will the godawful event be posted on the internet (hopefully not)?

[farmfriend]

One holy shrine per beheading (or killing, bombing etc.)

[Unknowing]

Not many Arabs remain in Sicily.

There's a reason for it, too.

[mhking]

Freakin' contaminated pond-scum. May they all die horribly and soon.

Just damn.

If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[HitmanLV]

Yep, I am aware. If there is one group more vengeful (yet maturely vengeful) than our Arab friends, its our Sicilian friends.

I say that as an Italian American of 100% Sicilian descent! ;-)

[cyborg]

[saquin]

A video image shows Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni who has been killed by his kidnappers, the Arabic language television channel Al Jazeera reported on August 26, 2004. In this image taken from footage shot on August 15, 2004, Baldoni is seen reporting from Najaf in front of a joint operation between the Italian Red Cross and the Iraqi Red Crescent. REUTERS/Reuters TV

[realpatriot]

"One holy shrine per beheading (or killing, bombing etc.)"

I don't consider anythin muslim to be holy.