Hostages ‘will die’ unless Italians protest

ITALIANS are facing an extraordinary dilemma after Monday’s ultimatum from the kidnappers holding three of their countrymen hostage in Iraq.

The message to the Italian public was clear: “Protest against the war and against Berlusconi in the next five days or we will kill them.”

At least one hostage family has pleaded for people to take to the streets in response, but some Italians say they should not give in to blackmail.