| Italy's brave journalist Saturday February 19, 2005 The Guardian, Letters to the Editor Kidnapped journalist Giuliana Sgrena is committed to women and children in Iraq, the majority of the population since decades of war have killed so many men (Kidnapped reporter begs Italy to withdraw, February 17). Her telling the full truth about Iraqi prisons distinguishes her. When sexual torture at Abu Ghraib hit the news, anti-rape groups in Britain urged women MPs to find out what was happening to women prisoners. Ms Sgrena reported it in her paper. More recently, she interviewed women ex-prisoners who had suffered or witnessed rapes. She published their testimonies without fear or favour of the occupying forces. This was a valid fear. According to the International Federation of Journalists, last year the highest-ever number of journalists was killed while working: 129 - 50 in Iraq, often from US military fire. Ms Sgrena's video appeal said: "Women are raped, and people die everywhere, in the street; they have nothing else to eat, they have no electricity, no water. I beg you, end the occupation." Her kidnapping has caused outrage. In
Italy, demonstrations, sit-ins and vigils have been huge. Banners
supporting her have even been unfurled in football stadiums. A massive
turnout is expected for today's demonstration in Rome. To oppose murder,
rape and torture around the world, we depend on journalists like Ms Sgrena.
see below
the uncut letter with complete list of signatures Dear
Editor, Kidnapped journalist Giuliana Sgrena is committed to women and children in Iraq, the great majority of the population since decades of war have killed so many men (“Kidnapped reporter begs Italy to withdraw”, 17 February). Her telling the full truth about Iraqi prisons distinguishes her. When sexual torture at Abu Ghraib hit the news, anti-rape organisations in Britain urged women MPs to find out what was happening to women prisoners. Ms Sgrena reported it in her paper. More recently, she interviewed women ex-prisoners who had suffered or witnessed rapes. She published their testimonies without fear or favour of the occupying forces. This was a valid fear. According to the International Federation of Journalists, last year the highest-ever number of journalists was killed while working – 129 -- 50 in Iraq, often from US military fire. Many believe that independent journalists are targetted. (“Net gains”, 16 February) Ms Sgrena’s video appeal said: “thousands are in prison -- children, elderly people. Women are raped, and people die everywhere, in the street; they have nothing else to eat, they have no electricity, no water. I beg you, end the occupation.” Her kidnapping has caused outrage. In Italy, demonstrations, sit-ins and vigils, especially of women, have been huge. Banners supporting her have unfurled even in football stadiums. A massive turnout is expected for Saturday’s demonstration in Rome. To oppose murder, rape and other torture anywhere in the world, we depend on journalists like Ms Sgrena. If anything can save the life of this anti-war journalist and convince Italy’s pro-war government to act for her, it is public pressure. Write to the media, your government and the Italian government, with copies to dimafoni@ilmanifesto.it. More information at www.manifesto.it Lisa
Longstaff, Women Against Rape
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