In this photograph, Anton Hammerl’s mother, Freda Hammerl, ties a yellow riboon on the family home in London on May 14, 2011, 40 days and 40 nights after Anton disappeared in Libya. Today it will mark be 42 days since anyone last heard from him.
The Cape Argus reports today that letters “expressing shock that a South African citizen could be held in another African country without the right to make a phone call home have been pouring in”.
The yellow ribbon campaign has garnered support internationally, with people posting on the Free Photographer Anton Hammerl Facebook page that they have tied yellow ribbons on their houses, themselves andon trees and cars, and pasted them on their Facebook sites to keep up the pressure on governments.
Issie Beesley posted on the site: “We live on Anton’s road [in London] and received the letter yesterday saying about what has happened to him, we have tied our yellow ribbon up and hope to hear of his safe return.”
The picture of Freda Hammerl tying the yellow ribbon was taken by James Murdey, one of many photographers who have granted a licence for once-off use the photos in connection with stories about Anton Hammerl’s detainment in Libya.
