The Taliban have been holding Daniele Mastrogiacomo and two others. They claim that he confessed to spying and they found “lasers in his shampoo.” The Taliban have threatened to Murder Mr. Mastrogiacomo. A videotape was sent to his paper today through an Italian NGO. The tape was made Monday the 12th. This is probably a “proof of life” statement in an attempt to gain the release of four of their members. Probably some ransom as well.

The paper has released one still and a transcript of his statement. The statement by the terrorists is here. The tape has not been been made public.

Via La Repubblica: "My name is Daniele Mastrogiacomo, I'm a journalist for la Repubblica newspaper. I'm here in Afghanistan. My father's name is Mario, my mother's name is Franca Lisa. Today is Monday, March 12th and it's 8 o'clock a.m., here in Afghanistan".

"As you can see, I'm in good physical condition... at least.... However I'm alive, luckily, until now".

"I'm under detention... I've been arrested by a taliban group. They believe that we (myself and two other afghan colleagues) have entered illegaly into their territory. So, now I'm addressing the italian government and mr. president Romano Prodi, in order to ask them to do everything in their power, to act with all their means in order to obtain our freedom as soon as possible... so that we should no longer be in this situation... in a word... that we be released...".

"I'm also speaking to my wife Luisella and my daughter and son Alice and Michele: be calm, there's no problem. You'll see that your father will be able to work it out, anyway. I believe this is a situation... they arrested me because I was in taliban territory. I think they will soon release me. Obviously you have to be just a little patient. And I'm sure you are all with me. Thank you for all you're trying to do for me. Thank you".

Update: The video has been uploaded to youtube.

Update II: In a new audio message recieved today Mr. Mastrogiacomo is begging for his life. He says the Taliban have given two days before they will murder him.

Via IOL: Kabul - An Italian journalist abducted in Afghanistan 10 days ago has appealed to authorities to meet his kidnappers' demands, warning he would otherwise be executed in two days, an Afghan news agency said on Thursday.

"After that they will kill us," a voice said to be that of Daniele Mastrogiacomo said in English in a compact disc recording obtained by Reuters from the Pajhwok agency. "There are only two days. Please. Please."

Posted by: Howie at 03:04 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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