Libya: bishop denounces bombing near civilian area

April 29, 2011

The apostolic vicar of Tripoli has lamented the effects on civilians of the bombing campaign conducted by NATO-led forces.

“I do not know what objective was hit near the church, but it was a terrible bombing,” said Bishop Giovanni Martinelli. “We were awakened at 12:30 at night by a terrifying explosion. The bombing was very near, maybe a couple of miles, even though I do not have a clear idea of what was hit.”

“Nearby there are homes, with families with children,” he added. “People poured into the streets in panic. Bombings are targeted, but they still disrupt the lives of innocent civilians. It is crazy to think of bombing a city without producing consequences on civilians, it destroys the serenity of the people. Can the UN do such a thing?”

 

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Further information:

• "Last night a violent bombing near the church devastated the serenity of innocent citizens, how can the UN authorize this?" complains Bishop Martinelli (Fides)