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Italiansâ Kidnappers: Italians Protest, or the Hostages die
A videotape showing three Italian hostages in Iraq has been shown by news broadcaster Al Arabiya. In the video, the apparent kidnappers vow to kill the hostages in five days unless the Italian people protest against their military presence in Iraq. Quoting a message it said came from the kidnappers, the Arabic television channel said: "A group calling itself the Green Brigade said it would release them if demonstrations are organised in Italy to protest against the governmentâs policy in Iraq.The tape showed three unshaven men eating a meal and wearing Arab robes. Footage on Italian television indicated the hostages were those shown on April 13, when kidnappers demanded the withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq, according to Reuters news agency. The groupâs statement continued: "We tell you we will show good faith and free them if you sympathise with our cause, show solidarity with us and publicly reject the policy of your prime minister by staging a big protest in your capital to protest against the war. "We grant you five days after which we will kill them without any hesitation or any other warning." Theyâre pulling your strings, Italy - are you going to get up and dance? Posted by: Bulldog 2004-04-26 |
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