Kabul, 29 May 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Afghanistan's private Tolo-TV today aired a video of an Italian aid worker who was kidnapped by gunmen in Kabul two weeks ago.
In the video, 32-year-old CARE International worker Clementina Cantoni is seated between two gunmen pressing the barrels of assault rifles against her head. Although their faces are covered, their hands suggest that both are young men.
The voice of a third kidnapper can be heard telling Cantoni to state the names of her relatives.
When told to announce the date, Cantoni appears momentarily confused before incorrectly stating that it is "Sunday, May 28th."
"My name is Clementina. Today is May 28th. Sunday," the video shows her as saying.
Cantoni wears a head scarf in the video. Her face is uncovered. Her arms are hidden beneath a brown blanket but appear folded or tied in front of her. She looks pale and does not make any appeal for her freedom.
Tolo-TV did not say how it obtained the videotape.
Earlier today, a man who claimed to be one of the kidnappers telephoned RFE/RL's Kabul bureau and said Cantoni's health was deteriorating. The caller said Cantoni has been vomiting and has lost her eyesight.
(RFE/RL's Afghan Service, agencies)
The voice of a third kidnapper can be heard telling Cantoni to state the names of her relatives.
When told to announce the date, Cantoni appears momentarily confused before incorrectly stating that it is "Sunday, May 28th."
"My name is Clementina. Today is May 28th. Sunday," the video shows her as saying.
Cantoni wears a head scarf in the video. Her face is uncovered. Her arms are hidden beneath a brown blanket but appear folded or tied in front of her. She looks pale and does not make any appeal for her freedom.
Tolo-TV did not say how it obtained the videotape.
Earlier today, a man who claimed to be one of the kidnappers telephoned RFE/RL's Kabul bureau and said Cantoni's health was deteriorating. The caller said Cantoni has been vomiting and has lost her eyesight.
(RFE/RL's Afghan Service, agencies)