... the blogger and journalist executed in iraq had a very powerful last message
In Cairo, Egypt, Islamic militants have released a brief tape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq and said they were holding the men to protest a French law banning headscarves in schools.
According to footage aired Saturday by (TV station) Al-Jazeera, the group gave the French government 48 hours to overturn the law but mentioned no ultimatum.
Five days ago, Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape purportedly released by the same group showing abducted freelance journalist Enzo Baldoni, 56. Two days later, the station received another video that showed Baldoni's killing.
The Italian journalist and blogger Baldoni was executed in Iraq this week. His weblog included beautiful photographs and compelling narrative about the people of Iraq. His testament and last blog post have just been translated online and appear below:
27.08.04 - Enzo's Testament
"At my funeral, I want people to smile -- did you notice? Funerals always end up with someone smiling: it's natural, it's Life taking over Death. And let people smoke freely anything they like; I'd also be pleased if new love stories would come out, and I'd even consider some aloof sex as an offer to Life rather than an offense to Death.
At about eight-nine o'clock, with little or no ceremonials, bring my coffin silently to the crematory, while the party and the music should last until late night.
About my ashes... throw them into the sea, I'd say. Or do as you want, who fucking cares."
Enzo Baldoni’s blog: (in Italian): Link
Articles quoted: Link , Link