Carroll's Family Responds to Kidnapping

Jan. 17, 2005 — -- The following is a statement from the family of Jill Carroll, the freelance journalist kidnapped in Iraq while on assignment for The Christian Science Monitor:

"Jill is an innocent journalist and we respectfully ask that you please show her mercy and allow her to return home to her mother, sister and family. Jill is a kind person whose love for Iraq and the Iraqi people are evident in her articles. She has been welcomed into the homes of many Iraqis and shown every courtesy. From that experience, she understands the hardships and suffering that the Iraqi people face every day. Jill is a friend and sister to many Iraqis and has been dedicated to bringing the truth of the Iraq war to the world.

We appeal for the speedy and safe return of our beloved daughter and sister."

Jim, Mary Beth and Katie Carroll