Italian Pacifist Stabbed to Death in al-Quds

Angelo Frammartino, a 25-year old law student and peace activist from Lazio, was stabbed to death on Thursday night in Jerusalem -- al-Quds. Frammartino was in Jerusalem with an Italian NGO that works in conjuction with the Cgil, an Italian labor union based in Rome. Writing in his local paper a few months ago, Frammartino stated, "I am going (to the Holy Land) to help innocent victims."

Jerusalem police have called it "an act of terrorism"; Italian police have called it "an act of fanaticism."

The local Arab press has come out in support of Frammartino, with al-Hayat al-Jadida writing, "(Angelo) was part of a group of Italian volunteers that demonstrated solidariety with the Palestinian people."

The motive for the assault is unknown, and fellow peace activisits who were with Frammartino at the time claim that the attacker did not exchange any words (with Frammartino). The investigation is ongoing.


********UPDATE********

A 24-year old Palestinian with links to Islamic Jihad has been arrested for the murder of Angelo Frammartino.

The arrested: "I went to Jerusalem to kill a Jew."