The caption with Star Tribune photojournalist Mike Zerby’s front-page photo Tuesday of Marines treating Iraqi wounded should have insulated editors from criticism.
It said, “Wearing gas masks in case of attacks from detainees carrying concealed weapons, Marines at Camp Viper strip-searched an Iraqi prisoner awaiting medical attention.”
Below the caption was the headline, “Iraqi wounded treated with compassion, caution,” over a story by Star Tribune writer Sharon Schmickle.
Instead, the display and words miffed a dozen or more readers upset that the prisoner was photographed naked.
Rosemary Kostick asked, “How can we criticize their treatment [of our people] if we do this . . . making fun of their people. It’s against international law to humiliate.”
Jeffrey Hamilton also invoked the Geneva Convention: “It was a direct violation of the convention.”
The convention’s Article 13 says: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited. . . .
“Likewise, prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.”
Deborah Ossen said, “Your journalistic integrity has been severely compromised by using this image.”
Jane Bowman commented, “It’s a good thing the Star Tribune printed a picture of a naked, malnourished . . . Iraqi soldier on the front page to show ‘em who’s boss.”
Zerby said by e-mail, “The man was part of a group of EPWs (Enemy Prisoners of War) brought to Camp Viper for medical care. Because of the concern that they could be hostile-force and not innocent civilians, all camp personnel are in MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) clothing.
“You will read of Iraqi trickery, deception and the use of children as weapons. This causes the Marines to strip-search every prisoner under heavy armed guard.
“Once the searches are over, complete, comprehensive and compassionate medical help was administered.”
Two members of the Marine Surgical Company commented by e-mail on the picture.
Capt. Glenn Goldberg said, “Although it may be upsetting to some of your readers, the picture does capture the reality of our situation where U.S. military personnel are doing their best to render compassionate care under very trying conditions.”
Lt. Nisha Robbins said, “We typically eliminate clothing from ALL casualties when they come so that we can perform a better physical examination and due to the fact that the clothing often has contaminants from injury.
Comment: The picture caption said it all. Why the Marines wear gas masks and protective clothing. And why prisoners are denuded.
Zerby lessened the prisoner’s humiliation by the angle of his lens. It personified the professionalism of this 35-year Star Tribune veteran.
The Geneva Convention point governs nations, not the media.
They knew
A picture on Page A8 Wednesday taken through the window of a Gary, Ind., home showed relatives mourning the loss of Spc. Gregory Sanders, who was killed in Iraq.
Larry Spangrud wondered if the family knew the picture was being taken.
The supervisor of photographer Christopher Smith of the Gary Post-Tribune said Smith shot pictures in the house before and after the one taken outside, and the family knew that pictures taken from outside might be used.
It ran three columns by 4 inches in the Star Tribune, five columns by 8 inches in the Gary paper.
