Sister Of Italian Journalist Slain In 2010 Seeks Truth, Not Revenge

[Lite Beer]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Sister of Italian journalist slain in 2010 seeks truth, not revenge
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Elisabetta Polenghi, the sister of slain Italian cameraman Fabio Polenghi, has made about 10 trips to Bangkok since mid-2010, although she's lost count of the exact number. But when it comes to the details of how her older brother was killed on the morning of May 19, 2010 near Ratchaprasong Intersection, she is obsessive, even pedantic at times.

Although the results of the Criminal Court's inquest into her brother's death will not be released until May 29, Polenghi, given all the evidence and witness testimony, believes Fabio was killed by a Thai Army sniper.

"I don't want to tell you they targeted Fabio. But probably, probably [the soldiers] were scared. They wanted people to flee, to clear the street. When you put the Army to clear out civilians on the street, you put people trained for war. When you put the Army, you want to kill. When you put an Army on the ground, something is wrong with the political culture," said Polenghi, before adding that her brother, whose interest in photography she sparked, was shot in the heart from behind.

"One shot in the heart. One shot through the heart," she said, adding that this partly explains her conclusion that her brother wasn't the victim of a random bullet, but of a single shot aimed by a sniper. She added that when men nearby tried to rescue her brother, shots were fired to scare them away.

The 48-year-old Milanese fashion photographer has studied all the videos and other details, all the evidence and witness reports she could find. The portly, grey-haired woman - who confesses to having watched the three videos of the incident hundreds of times - at times resorts to placing one pair of reading glasses over another to get a clearer view. Such is the pre-occupation that has driven to her to pursue the truth about her brother's death.

She even sold her large studio in Milan in favour of a smaller one in order to raise the necessary cash.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was prime minister at the time the Army was ordered onto the streets, has never invited Polenghi to see him or to express his condolences - something that obviously disappoints her.

"If I were him, I would never have sent the Army onto the streets," she said of Abhisit.

But vengeful she is not.

"I would like Fabio's death to be something that changes the [Thai] system. I don't even want to know the name of the man who killed my brother… I don't like someone to be killed because he killed my brother. I [would] just like Thailand to be more responsible and care about life. My success would be the respect of life - a kind of reform."

Reform of the Army's culture and the use of anti-riot police instead of the deployment of Army troops who are trained to kill are things Polenghi hopes for.

"I am sorry for the soldiers. Some of them have been killed as well [in 2010]. But how can I help and change the culture of the Army to be more responsible for life? No one should be killed."

In 2010 Polenghi knew and cared very little about Thailand, but after nearly three years of travels to and traumatic travails in Thailand, today Polenghi says she loves Thailand and has learned quite a lot. "I'm actually in love with Thailand."

Her mother thinks differently, and questions how her daughter can have any goodwill towards a country in which her son met his end.

"Believe me. I don't fight to have revenge. Inside the Army, there are people who would like to change. I know that Fabio died for that idea."

But despite all the forgiveness and magnanimous words, Polenghi is still in sorrow, nearly three years on. She broke into tears as she showed me the videos of the last moments of her brother's life. But I detected no air of vengeance emanating from her at all. Just sadness for a life cut short due to political mayhem in a faraway foreign land - and concern for Thailand.

And today, on the profile of her Twitter account, Polenghi refers to herself as a human-rights activist as well as a photographer.

-- The Nation 2013-03-24

[HeavyDrinker]

she is obsessive, even pedantic at times.

So let's start the article off on an nice even base...

Who the *** writes this sha-hit????

If the bellend who wrote this were looking for his/her dead brother's killer, I wonder how he/she would be?

I'd love for the cretin who wrote this to be pointed to this forum and reply to some of my questions.

Edited March 23, 2013 by HeavyDrinker

[espinoza]

A human life is worth about 1000Bath thats it. It\ s very different from the western world here. If you kill somebody by accident, it`s normally settled by 50K bath.

[LomSak27]

Its a Nation piece, come on

The fact that the military was targeting journalists - western or eastern (like japanese) has never been much in doubt - except to the facade repair, and window dressing experts at ...... The Nation.

[reiltin]

The value of life in Thailand...Foreign or local born..Do you want to haggle?

The red shirts demands for early November elections were agreed to by Abhisits government in April,then they changed their demands-Her brother died as an idealistic truth seeker,doing what he loved,If only ALL brothers had such honorable hearts-but,thats small consultation to Elisabetta Polenghi now.

[chainarong]

All very Nobel and I wish the lady well , however the truth out of Thailand , is very doubtful, obscure and transparent, is something you see through

[lemoncake]

she is obsessive, even pedantic at times.

So let's start the article off on an nice even base...

Who the *** writes this sha-hit????

If the bellend who wrote this were looking for his/her dead brother's killer, I wonder how he/she would be?

I'd love for the cretin who wrote this to be pointed to this forum and reply to some of my questions.

His name is right there at the beginning of OP, and he appears to be a Thai,a non native speaker

No doubt you can write much better piece in Thai or any other language

You along with other whiners who always criticize the writing can always apply to work for the Nation and write brilliant editorials

[rixalex]

Its a Nation piece, come on

The fact that the military was targeting journalists - western or eastern (like japanese) has never been much in doubt - except to the facade repair, and window dressing experts at ...... The Nation.

It's never been much in doubt for the brick-through-window experts of.... The Red Shirts.

[animatic]

This is Thailand, truth is for sale to the highest bidder, or just hidden as deeply as possible to prevent loss of face, the land of the fase saving facade. I have sympathy for the poor lady and her late brother, but I can't see either of them knowing/understanding the place well enough to get what they thought they would get on entry.

[seajae]

All soldiers are not trained killers anymore than all doctors are heart surgeons. You are taught the basics, you are not taught to kill, just fire a rifle.Targets are always centre of body mass, not the heart, a head shot is a killing shot for a sniper, especially from behind. An army trained shooter would have shot at the centre of the back, more chance of a good hit, lets be realistic about this, an army sniper does not try to do fancy shots, they go for a definite hit that causes mass damage/incapacitate their enemy and they use heavy callibre rounds/specialist weapons not the same as all the other soldiers. This was a terrible waste of life but the so called evidence points just as much to someone trying to frame the army, especially is it was a deliberate shot. As for putting the army into the field, when the police are backing the red shirts who are you supposed to use, the govt did the right thing, the red shirts & their cowardly leaders are the ones that caused this, no one else, if they had not instigated this by their deliberate terrorist tactics this would not have happened. Just goes to show how little the red shirt leaders/ptp/thaksin hold thai life values, they will do anything for power and money.

Edited March 24, 2013 by metisdead
: Font

[steve down under]

"The portly, grey-haired woman"

what possible relevance has this line from the report got to do with the story ? the poor woman wants to get to truth of her brothers death surely thats not too much to ask for ? but as you all say TIT it will never happen

Edited March 24, 2013 by steve down under

[thomash]

If she is just seeking the truth and not revenge she unfortunately has been wasting her time and money coming to Thailand as it is not about truth here but saving face, pretending, on and on.

[reiltin]

This is Thailand, truth is for sale to the highest bidder, or just hidden as deeply as possible to prevent loss of face, the land of the fase saving facade. I have sympathy for the poor lady and her late brother, but I can't see either of them knowing/understanding the place well enough to get what they thought they would get on entry.

The truth is always the truth,regardless of spin or bias(Thai press not noted for lack of each)Thai based consuls and ambassadors know full well what's happening on the ground and report facts to their governments.Many foreign photojournalists have been killed in Bangkok down the years including "crowded hour" Aussie snapper Neil Davis, a picture paints a 1000 words much the chagrin of the men in black.

Definition of Tact"telling someone to go to hell in such a way as to make them look forward to the trip"

[backtonormal]

 

Its a Nation piece, come on

The fact that the military was targeting journalists - western or eastern (like japanese) has never been much in doubt - except to the facade repair, and window dressing experts at ...... The Nation.

 

The Dems/army/amaat, take your pick all the same, tried to surpress independent international press coverage of what was occurring. Even to the extent of firing a grenade into the hotel to keep all the journalists in the cellar before the public slaughter took place. What Government allows/orders its forces to target journalists.

[borovik]

The fact is - they do not have riot police in Thailand.

In 1992 May - to disperse crowd they were shooting half inch heavy machine guns;dont you remember?

Edited March 24, 2013 by metisdead
: Bold font removed.

[rixalex]

 

Its a Nation piece, come on

The fact that the military was targeting journalists - western or eastern (like japanese) has never been much in doubt - except to the facade repair, and window dressing experts at ...... The Nation.

 

The Dems/army/amaat, take your pick all the same, tried to surpress independent international press coverage of what was occurring. Even to the extent of firing a grenade into the hotel to keep all the journalists in the cellar before the public slaughter took place. What Government allows/orders its forces to target journalists.

Red shirts seemed pretty camera shy judging by all the cctv cameras they disconnected and destroyed in central Bangkok that would have proved how unarmed and peace-loving they all were.

[hellodolly]

The truth is he was in a war zone. In all likely hood shot by the army.

Whats the big deal reporters are killed all over the world when they enter war zones.

It is part of the risk that goes with the job.

I believe that in actuality it is a high death rate that they suffer.

The truth is an egomaniac started and financed an armed rebellion in which people on both sides got killed.

Happens the world over. the difference being here in Thailand the instigators are using it as a ploy to avoid their part in it.

[DiamondKing]

The truth is he was in a war zone. In all likely hood shot by the army.

Whats the big deal reporters are killed all over the world when they enter war zones.

It is part of the risk that goes with the job.

I believe that in actuality it is a high death rate that they suffer.

The truth is an egomaniac started and financed an armed rebellion in which people on both sides got killed.

Happens the world over. the difference being here in Thailand the instigators are using it as a ploy to avoid their part in it.

HMMMM interesting point of view you have there MILITARY vs UNARMED CIVILIANS yes i can see how you would call that a WAR zone have you seen the video ??? none in that video that were being shot at were armed NOT ONE

Edited March 24, 2013 by DiamondKing

[Throatwobbler]

The truth is he was in a war zone. In all likely hood shot by the army.

Whats the big deal reporters are killed all over the world when they enter war zones.

It is part of the risk that goes with the job.

I believe that in actuality it is a high death rate that they suffer.

The truth is an egomaniac started and financed an armed rebellion in which people on both sides got killed.

Happens the world over. the difference being here in Thailand the instigators are using it as a ploy to avoid their part in it.

HMMMM interesting point of view you have there MILITARY vs UNARMED CIVILIANS yes i can see how you would call that a WAR zone have you seen the video ??? none in that video that were being shot at were armed NOT ONE

"UNARMED CIVILIANS" Most were , some weren't. The red leaders led their followers into a dangerous situation, where they knew some would be injured or killed. All this just so they could have propaganda. And you have fallen for it.

[DiamondKing]

The truth is he was in a war zone. In all likely hood shot by the army.

Whats the big deal reporters are killed all over the world when they enter war zones.

It is part of the risk that goes with the job.

I believe that in actuality it is a high death rate that they suffer.

The truth is an egomaniac started and financed an armed rebellion in which people on both sides got killed.

Happens the world over. the difference being here in Thailand the instigators are using it as a ploy to avoid their part in it.

HMMMM interesting point of view you have there MILITARY vs UNARMED CIVILIANS yes i can see how you would call that a WAR zone have you seen the video ??? none in that video that were being shot at were armed NOT ONE

"UNARMED CIVILIANS" Most were , some weren't. The red leaders led their followers into a dangerous situation, where they knew some would be injured or killed. All this just so they could have propaganda. And you have fallen for it.

The fact is plain and straight THE GUY WAS TARGETED AND SHOT THROUGH THE HEART he was UNARMED as were ALL THOSE AROUND HIM that can BE CLEARLY SEEN in the video for those that WANT TO OPEN THEIR EYES and see the real truth.

Its irrelevant about men inblack etc because the SHOOTER COULD CLEARLY SEE THEY WERE SHOOTING UNARMED CIVILIANS PERIOD

There is NO EXCUSE FOR THAT NO WAY NO HOW whichever way you want to look at it.

Edited March 24, 2013 by DiamondKing

[ZhouZhou]

"UNARMED CIVILIANS" Most were , some weren't. The red leaders led their followers into a dangerous situation, where they knew some would be injured or killed. All this just so they could have propaganda. And you have fallen for it.

yeah, they run into bullets just for propaganda purpose.

[rixalex]

The truth is he was in a war zone. In all likely hood shot by the army.

Whats the big deal reporters are killed all over the world when they enter war zones.

It is part of the risk that goes with the job.

I believe that in actuality it is a high death rate that they suffer.

The truth is an egomaniac started and financed an armed rebellion in which people on both sides got killed.

Happens the world over. the difference being here in Thailand the instigators are using it as a ploy to avoid their part in it.

HMMMM interesting point of view you have there MILITARY vs UNARMED CIVILIANS yes i can see how you would call that a WAR zone have you seen the video ??? none in that video that were being shot at were armed NOT ONE

"UNARMED CIVILIANS" Most were , some weren't. The red leaders led their followers into a dangerous situation, where they knew some would be injured or killed. All this just so they could have propaganda. And you have fallen for it.

The fact is plain and straight THE GUY WAS TARGETED AND SHOT THROUGH THE HEART he was UNARMED as were ALL THOSE AROUND HIM that can BE CLEARLY SEEN in the video for those that WANT TO OPEN THEIR EYES and see the real truth.

Its irrelevant about men inblack etc because the SHOOTER COULD CLEARLY SEE THEY WERE SHOOTING UNARMED CIVILIANS PERIOD

There is NO EXCUSE FOR THAT NO WAY NO HOW whichever way you want to look at it.

We don't know that he was targeted and we don't know for certain which side shot him, although my guess would be the military. As to why, it's hard to know as the video evidence only shows events from one angle at one time. I can't though think of one possible reasonable advantage the military gains by taking out journalists. Unless they planned on shooting them all and quickly moving the bodies onto a bus parked on a steep hill with the handbrake released so as to appear accidental death. The only thing that shooting journalists achieves is putting the military under much greater pressure and giving the rioters credibility and justifiable cause. If it was intentional and pre-meditated, which is what you seem to think (i disagree), suggest you think more carefully about who had the motive.

Edited March 24, 2013 by rixalex

[BKS22]

There is to much to risk by them sharing the real truth. Sadly...the most she can expect is a disgraceful payoff. Sad really.

[rubl]

Amazing rewritten history yet again.

1. red-shirt miliants started targetting journalists as they thought those didn't report correctly.
2. red shirts attack CH3 building with firebombs, BP building threatened and evacuated (georgebkk twitters!)
3. Red Radio announce ''If you see a bank you may destroy it no need to wait for orders''
4. On telling their remaining supporters "It's over, go home" the UDD leaders had to be protected and whisked away by police. Their supporters got a wee bit angry and a mob sphere was created
5. Government has instructed security forces to shoot anyone causing trouble, including looters.
6. The army shoots "everything that's moving and don't ask if you are a reporter before shooting," said Maas.
7. Another journalist vanderGrift was wounded with some soldiers, caught in a grenade attack.

Of course if end of February 2010 the court hadn't decided to confiscate 47 out of 72 billion Baht and only return 25 billion, possibly all this would never have started. Ah well, some like to die for the money of a criminal fugitive unelected elite billionair.

[clockman]

You have come to the wrong country! for truth.....

[khunken]

Quote:

The fact is plain and straight THE GUY WAS TARGETED AND SHOT THROUGH

THE HEART he was UNARMED as were ALL THOSE AROUND HIM that can BE

CLEARLY SEEN in the video for those that WANT TO OPEN THEIR EYES and see

the real truth.

Its irrelevant about men inblack etc because the SHOOTER COULD CLEARLY SEE THEY WERE SHOOTING UNARMED CIVILIANS PERIOD

There is NO EXCUSE FOR THAT NO WAY NO HOW whichever way you want to look at it.

There is always some hate-filled twerp spouting 'I know it was deliberate' when he/she hasn't a clue about the logistics & 'unarmed' protestors involved.

1. There were armed red shirts - a few, but they were there

2. There was the MIB who were certainly armed

3. The Polenghi case was where a journalist was shot, probably by the army but not proven

4. The army was at the junction of Rama IV & Ratchadamri

5 The journalist was a considerable way up Ratchadamri, near to the BTS station.

6 The distance between the army & the journalist must have been 4-500m

7. The army were not using snipers there

8. There is absolutely no way that the army could distinguish between a journalist, red shirt (unarmed or armed) or anyone

9. If the army were responsible, it was a random shooting.

Edited March 24, 2013 by khunken

[473geo]

No entity is likely to take the risk of offending the very force that has a history of removing governments, Abhisit? not possible, political suicide!! current government? nothing to gain.....accidental death, stopped a stray bullet.......as Ken explains above..."If the army were responsible, it was a random shooting". Weren't they all.....

Edited March 24, 2013 by 473geo

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[khunken]

No entity is likely to take the risk of offending the very force that has a history of removing governments, Abhisit? not possible, political suicide!! current government? nothing to gain.....accidental death, stopped a stray bullet.......as Ken explains above..."If the army were responsible, it was a random shooting". Weren't they all.....

Why ignore the fact that a few cases have already been decided & put the blame firmly on the army?

'current government? nothing to gain' Wrong again. Everything to gain to protect the red shirt leaders & the instigator.

No, not all were ransom or accidental deaths. The army colonel was deliberately targeted along with a few more of his personnel. Sae Daeng was also targeted and the theories of who was responsible would write a novel.

If the army really wanted to target specific individuals, some of the red shirt leaders wouldn't be with us today.

[Locationthailand]

Amazing rewritten history yet again.

1. red-shirt miliants started targetting journalists as they thought those didn't report correctly.

2. red shirts attack CH3 building with firebombs, BP building threatened and evacuated (georgebkk twitters!)

3. Red Radio announce ''If you see a bank you may destroy it no need to wait for orders''

4. On telling their remaining supporters "It's over, go home" the UDD leaders had to be protected and whisked away by police. Their supporters got a wee bit angry and a mob sphere was created

5. Government has instructed security forces to shoot anyone causing trouble, including looters.

6. The army shoots "everything that's moving and don't ask if you are a reporter before shooting," said Maas.

7. Another journalist vanderGrift was wounded with some soldiers, caught in a grenade attack.

Of course if end of February 2010 the court hadn't decided to confiscate 47 out of 72 billion Baht and only return 25 billion, possibly all this would never have started. Ah well, some like to die for the money of a criminal fugitive unelected elite billionair.

The result of which is the army was mobilised under a state of emergency. Deaths results and yes, don't claim unarmed civilians - the 'truth' of course being obvious. The intent of armed resistance, as well as unprecedented attacks by those behind the Red barricades, caused retaliation. The deliberate goading of the armed revolt, use of unidentified militants (read mercenaries) and a journo that got shot whether deliberately or not, is all conjecture as there is NO proof that was the case. The trouble is the UDD and the convicted criminal seeking vengeance against Thailand for seizure of his assets, has/have no conscience. There in lies the issue. To the journo's sister, what more truth do you really need? Your brother entered a war zone for what ever motivation and wore one through the heart from behind. As other reds were also identified as having been shot from behind, but from within their own lines, then doubt lingers. Go home dear, condolences, but go home.