By: (AP) The slaying of
Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl has impassioned Americans because of the way he died and the kind of man he was, his parents said Monday night in their first interview since his death.
Pearl's parents made their remarks on CNN's "Larry King Live." The 38-year-old Pearl disappeared Jan. 23 in Karachi, Pakistan, while researching links between militants there and shoe-bombing suspect Richard C. Reid. A videotape received Feb. 22 by U.S. diplomats showed Pearl dead.
Judea Pearl said he was not surprised by the public attention given the kidnapping and murder of his son, the
Journal's South Asia bureau chief.
"One, he was a unique individual. And second, the circumstances under which he died were a sort of magnifying glass to amplify Danny and his character. Put the two factors together and I'm not surprised that the public is so moved," the father said.
The Pearls also discussed a book of their son's
Journal stories they are bringing out and a foundation being created to honor his memory.
Trial began in April in Pakistan for four men accused of playing a role in the abduction and slaying. Police are seeking seven others in connection with the case.
The remains of a body believed to be Pearl's were recovered in Karachi last month from a shallow grave near a shed where police believe he was held before being killed. DNA results are pending.
Asked by King how she feels about her son's murderers, Ruth Pearl said she tries "not to expend too much emotion on that. ... I can't comprehend them and I try not to go in that direction."
On the Net:
Daniel Pearl Foundation: http://www.danielpearlfoundation.org
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here