Kidnapped Italian journalist in video

[ellisonz]

Kidnapped Italian journalist in video
Wed Mar 14, 9:02 PM ET

ROME - An Italian journalist kidnapped in Afghanistan last week appeared in a video shown on television Wednesday appealing to Premier Romano Prodi to work for his release.

The Rome newspaper La Repubblica said Italian authorities were given the video in which the daily's reporter, Daniele Mastrogiacomo, appears alone, with his shoulders and the back of his head covered with a plaid shawl or scarf.

The Italian aid group Emergency, which works in Afghanistan, said it was given the videocassette Wednesday. It did not say by whom.

On the tape, Mastrogiacomo gives the date, "It's Monday, March 12," then goes on to say: "As you see, I'm in good condition physically, more or less, and ... as you can see, under guard."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070315/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/italy_afghanistan_hostage;_ylt=AjhHXnh3YPfNNWHE5eobsle3IxIF

[maddezmom]

1. Kidnapped Italian's Afghan driver killed -report

Kidnapped Italian's Afghan driver killed -report
16 Mar 2007 08:22:02 GMT
Source: Reuters

ROME, March 16 (Reuters) - One of two Afghan nationals kidnapped with Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo in Afghanistan last week has been killed, Italy's ANSA newswire said on Friday, quoting a Taliban fighter.

ANSA quoted Ibrahim Hanifi as saying Mastrogiacomo's driver had his throat slit earlier on Friday. He also said the Italian and the other Afghani would be released if the Afghan government agreed to release three Afghan prisoners.
http://mobile.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16560055.htm