SA: Human shield returns home

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2003
SA: Human shield returns home

South Australian human shield RUTH RUSSELL plans to write a book detailing her experiences
in Baghdad.

Ms RUSSELL travelled to Baghdad on February 25 as a human shield and was stationed
at a food silo at Taji, about 20 kilometres north-west of the Baghdad city centre.

She arrived at Adelaide airport last night, where she was greeted by around 50 family
members and supporters.

Ms RUSSELL says since the war had began on March 20 she was been confined to the Basra
site with five other human shields, including 34-year-old Perth woman MICHELLE PULE.

She says there were no bomb shelters and people had their windows taped up to avoid
shattering glass.

Ms RUSSELL says there was a big military base five kilometres north from where she
was staying, that was bombed constantly for three weeks.

The Australian woman says there was also a huge tank battle, about one kilometre away.

She says she now wants to arrange public meetings to raise awareness of war.

AAP RTV kmc/wz

KEYWORD: RUSSELL (ADELAIDE)

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