Posted on 08/26/2004 3:45:52 PM PDT by areafiftyone
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.
Thank you. Somehow I missed hearing about this kidnapping.
Wonderful place, Sicily. Wonderful people there, too.
Why the hell aren't ALL journalists implanted with RFID chips? It's like we haven't made any damn progress at all with this crap since the Lebanon hostages in the 1980s. Disgusting ignorance of cheap and easily usuable technology.
Condolences sent.
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."
anything else to say? welcome to the year 1,400
Prayers from a fellow Italian for a speedy entrance into paradise... Theologians in the Church have provided supporting arguments that victims like Mr. Baldoni and those who died in 9/11 can be classified as "martyrs" for the faith, since they are targeted largely based on their Judeo-Christian persuasion ...
My father is Sicilian/Calabrese. He's the kindest and one of the most compassionate people you will ever meet.
I grew up dreading the Evil Eye, but cherishing the affection of a father who I always knew would be in my corner...
Just don't piss him off.
They'll be in hell for eternity IF they don't repent and recognize the Judeo Christian God. Eternity is a looooonnngggg time. Hopefully we'll get them while on this earth and punish them.
God bless Italy and God bless the man who was butchered. May there be a special place in hell, hotter than all the rest, for these militants.
My grandmother and grandfather were Calabrese.
I know what you mean. I can't think of anything bad enough to describe thier actions. Monsters is a good as any word for them. Monsters to the tenth power. My heart goes out to the family.
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