Vittorio Arrigoni - tribute by Gabriele Torsello
Vittorio Arrigoni, a member of the International Solidarity Movement, was a great defender of Palestinians’ human rights and fierce critic of Israel. Vittorio, 36, was kidnapped by Salafist radicals, an Islamic movement that had threatened to kill Arrigoni at 14:00 on Friday 14/04/2011 if Hamas had not released several Salafist prisoners held by Hamas. Arrigoni’s body was found in the morning of 15/04/2011, his captors had hung him.
Accademia Apulia has asked photojournalist Gabriele Torsello, author of 'Camera Obscura', some questions on this sinister crime. Mr Torsello was held hostage by Afghani rebels in 2006, but later released.
In 2006 you were the victim of a kidnapping, but, luckily, you were freed after 21 days of captivity. What was your reaction when you learned of the kidnapping and murder of Vittorio Arrigoni?
I felt very sad, very sorry - I feel close to anyone who is fighting for a better world, to restore peace and to defend human rights.
Who was Vittorio Arrigoni?
Vittorio was a very brave young man. He left behind his family in Italy to live with the Palestinians, to share their problems, to help them with their plight. He is remembered for his generosity and courage.
What was, in your opinion, the motivation behind this crime?
The situation is not clear enough to assign responsibility. Vittorio Arrigoni was not a journalist nor a politician but a young man who gave his best to improve the human condition.
Why kill such a good person, why kill a friend?
To destabilise the peace process, to demoralise the builders of peace. In fact, as a result of this barbaric attack, all international initiatives in Gaza have been asked to leave the country.
Is Israel benefiting from this turn of events?
It must be said that the name of Vittorio Arrigoni appeared on www.stoptheism.com, a website for Israeli extremists who condemned Arrigoni to death. In any case, there is nothing to support the idea that Israel would benefit from this action.
What is the future for peace-promoting volunteers?
Right now their future is very unstable. The death of Arrigoni is an attack on all young people involved in human rights projects.
What is your message to volunteers promoting peace?
Actually, I would like to address my message to politicians, more than to the volunteers. It is important that the authorities find the perpetrators responsible for Vittorio Arrigoni’s death, not only for justice, but for the sake of anyone who believes in a better world.
