Captors of the kidnapped Italian reporter, Enzo Baldoni, have informed Al Jazeera that Mr. Baldoni has been murdered. This comes only hours after
Italy refused to meet the group's demands.
ABC Report
Kidnappers Claim Murder of Hostage
The kidnappers of Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni, taken hostage in Iraq, say they have killed him, the Arabic language television channel Al Jazeera
reports.
The station made the announcement in a scrolling text newsflash. There was no way to immediately verify the report.
A group called the Islamic Army in Iraq told Al Jazeera television earlier it was holding Baldoni, who disappeared near Najaf several days ago.
On Tuesday, the group gave Italy 48 hours to withdraw its 2,700 troops from Iraq or Baldoni would be killed. Italy, which has the third largest
foreign military contingent in the country, refused to bow to the kidnappers' demands.
A statement from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's office said it would do everything possible to free Baldoni but its troops would remain
in Iraq.
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Mr. Baldoni was not only a reporter for the weekly program
Diario, but he also did volunteer work for the Red Cross.
"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," she told RAI television.
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Mr. Baldoni and his driver were caught in an ambush between Baghdad and Najaf. The driver's body was found on Saturday.
[edit on 8-26-2004 by Valhall]
[edit on 8-27-2004 by Valhall]