ABC response to Willacy Complaint

Dear Mr Zwier,

Thank you for your email of 28 July 2005, regarding the PM report "Behind the bars in Israel women's prison".

The ABC cannot in any way agree with your view that this report "glorifies suicide bombers". The key to good radio is visual description. Having reviewed this broadcast, the ABC is satisfied that the description of this woman was relevant and appropriate and that the report is in keeping with its Editorial Policies and Code of Practice.

Far from 'glorifying' her actions, the report first calls this woman a 'notorious attacker'. In going on to describe her looks, her eyes, her smile, ABC reporter Mark Willacy was clearly pointing out the incongruity of the situation. Here was an attractive woman, with much to live for, prepared to die. The story provided a further insight to her motivations, that she had fallen pregnant out of wedlock and was pressured by her family to "restore their honour". She is clearly described in conclusion as a 'dangerous woman' who has expressed no regret for her crimes.

As for the woman who nursed the sparrow back to health, Mark Willacy was making the point that she cared more for a bird than human life. He was not casting any doubt on why she was in jail and he did report what she was serving time for, as she said it herself - she was wearing a bomb device.

Yours sincerely

Kieran Doyle

Senior Liaison Officer

Audience and Consumer Affairs