Focus On Reconciliation, Sister Of Killed Italian Journalist Fabio Polenghi Says

[webfact]

Focus on reconciliation, slain journo's sister says

JIRAPORN PHETDEE

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The sister of an Italian journalist killed during the crackdown on red shirts two years ago voiced support for providing compensation to the victims of the political turmoil, but said that getting all sides to reconcile was more important.

"I think the Thai government should take responsibility for things that have happened and for the suffering, but above all, it must reconcile with the population and not allow this sort of thing to happen ever again," Elisabetta Polenghi, the sister of Fabio Polenghi, told The Nation.

A stray bullet hit and killed Fabio near Bangkok's Lumpini Park on May 19, 2010.

Yingluck Shinawatra's government recently earmarked up to Bt7.75 million for victims of political unrest over the period stretching from late 2005, when the yellow shirts rallied against then-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, to May 2010 when red shirts staged street protests against the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Elisabetta said the Abhisit government had offered to compensate her for her brother's death, but she refused and demanded to know the truth about the shooting. The current government has not contacted or offered her any money.

When asked if she would choose justice or compensation, she said: "There will never be enough compensation for those who have lost their loved ones and the truth is always most important. In Fabio's case, I would like to think that his sacrifice was not in vain and that it will help his colleagues across the world to help bring information to the public in a safe manner.

"However, even though you cannot put a price on someone's life, it is true that many have lost the breadwinners of their families and need help." she said.

"I would like to tell both the Italian and the Thai governments that we expect full light to be shed on the events surrounding my brother's death. That there are still many questions that need asking, including where his personal effects went and who took his camera.

When the truth emerges then maybe we will be able to finally reconcile. Until then, I will continue to ask questions and insist wherever possible, with whatever institutions necessary both in Thailand and internationally, to get answers that will allow not just us to sleep better at night."

Elisabetta has dedicated her life to finding out the truth behind her brother's death and looking after their elderly mother.

"Obviously, I miss my brother very much because we were very close and I feel a great necessity to get to the truth," she reiterated.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

[Gianni77]

Makes a lot of sense, she is making declarations that not only are true, but are very mature and conciliatory. This coming from a person directly affected... funny how Chalerm is always talking about this but according to her, no one in this government has contacted her. It seems like even though the previous government didn't do enough, at least they had the courtesy to stay in touch with her.

Much to be learnt from what she said!!!

[z12]

"I think the Thai government should take responsibility for things that have happened and for the suffering,"

should be

"I think the 'red shirts' & 'black shirts' should take responsibility for things that have happened and for the suffering,"

They were the perps in this lawlessness and it was probably their bullet that killed him.

Edited February 3, 2012 by z12

[rfukata]

haven't heard much about the Japanese Reuters journalists followup, what happened?

[phiphidon]

"I think the Thai government should take responsibility for things that have happened and for the suffering,"

should be

"I think the 'red shirts' & 'black shirts' should take responsibility for things that have happened and for the suffering,"

They were the perps in this lawlessness and it was probably their bullet that killed him.

It would be just as likely that it was probably a military fired bullet that killed him. Until the autopsy results have been released we cannot say one way or another. Of course I don't expect you to follow this line of reasoning as it appears you are just wishing to create arguments and baiting for the sake of it.

[mistitikimikis]

Here a video of almost one hour about the struggle of Fabio's sister to get the truth above water, published August 16, 2011

This World, BBC Documentary Thailand Justice Under Fire

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QufwX0JsdXA