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{{Userspace draft|source=ArticleWizard|date=September 2012}} <!-- Please leave this line alone! -->
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{{ WAP assignment | course = Wikipedia:USEP/Courses/Introduction to Mass Communications (Chad Tew) | university = University of Southern Indiana | term = 2012 Q3 | project = WikiProject Journalism }}
{{ WAP assignment | course = Wikipedia:USEP/Courses/Introduction to Mass Communications (Chad Tew) | university = University of Southern Indiana | term = 2012 Q3 | project = WikiProject Journalism }}
{{Bare links}}


{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name = Gwenlaouen Le Gouil
| birth_name = Gwenlaouen Le Gouil
| birth_date = <!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| birth_date = 1975?<!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| birth_place = Lorient, France
| birth_place = Lorient, France
| disappeared_date = <!-- {{Disappeared date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (disappeared date then birth date) -->
| disappeared_date = <!-- {{Disappeared date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (disappeared date then birth date) -->
| disappeared_place = Bosaso, Somalia
| disappeared_place = Bosaso, Somalia
| disappeared_status =
| disappeared_status = Released unharmed after a brief detainment
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| death_place =
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| footnotes =
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| box_width =
}}''' Gwenlaouen Le Gouil''', also known as Gwen Le Gouil, (1975?), is a French freelance camera operator for [[Arte]] in France, who is known for his award-winning video about the killing of humanitarian workers in [[Sri Lanka]] and for being kidnapped in [[Somalia]] while filming a documentary on [[human trafficking]].
}}''' Gwenlaouen Le Gouil''', also known as Gwen Le Gouil, (1975?- ), is a French freelance camera operator for [[Arte]] in France, who is known for his award-winning video about the killing of humanitarian workers in [[Sri Lanka]] and for being kidnapped in [[Somalia]] while filming a documentary on [[human trafficking]].

⚫
Le Gouil was awarded with the [[Albert Londres Prize]] in 2007 for for ''Muttur: un crime contre l'humanitaire'', a video about the killings of humanitarian workers in Sri Lanka.<ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>


== Personal ==
== Personal ==
Gwenlaouen Le Gouil, also referred to as Gwen Le Gouil, was born in [[Lorient, France]] (1975?). Throughout his childhood, Le Gouil was raised in [[Bénodet]], France, and was educated at [[Quimper]] University. <ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> While in school, Le Gouil studied history and journalism, where he would soon begin his career in the communication field. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>
Gwenlaouen Le Gouil, also referred to as Gwen Le Gouil, was born in 1975? in [[Lorient, France]]. Throughout his childhood, Le Gouil was raised in [[Bénodet]], France. His parents, both former teachers, who continue to reside in [[Quimper]], France.<ref name="le telegramme" /> Le Gouil was educated at a college in Quimper.<ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> While in school, Le Gouil studied history and journalism, where he would soon begin his career in the communication field.<ref name="Cargo Culte" /> Aside from journalism, Le Gouil is also an avid surfer.
Aside from solely concentrating on journalism, Le Gouil is an avid surfer and enjoys surfing on [[Audierne]] Bay. He believes that [[Audierne]] Bay is “the most beautiful bay in the world.” Le Gouil enjoys visiting his parents, both former teachers, who continue to reside in [[Quimper]], France. <ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
Le Gouil first began his interest for reporting after the occurence of many historical events that happened in the l980’s. After the collapse of the [[USSR]] and the fall of the [[Berlin Wall]], Le Gouil’s passion for reporting was enhanced. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> He was offered various journalisic opportunities to freelance in Asia, and Le Gouil chose to work in [[Bangkok]], Thailand. <ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>
Le Gouil first began his interest for reporting after the occurrence of many historical events that happened in the l980’s. After the collapse of the [[USSR]] and the fall of the [[Berlin Wall]], Le Gouil’s passion for reporting was enhanced.<ref name="Cargo Culte" /> He was offered various journalism opportunities to freelance in Asia, and Le Gouil chose to work in [[Bangkok]], Thailand.<ref name="le telegramme" />
⚫
Le Gouil really started his work when he became a freelancer with [[Arte]] television, which is based in [[Strasburg, Germany]] with an office in [[Paris, France]]. <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>
In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the “[[Albert Londres]] Award”, along with Fabrice Launay and Anne Poiret, for their film called “Mutter, a crime against humanitarians,” which was based in [[Sri Lanka]], Asia. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>
⚫
In 2007, Gwen Le Gouil, along with his partner Jean-Laurent Bodinier, created Cargo Culte Productions. They create documentaries that focus on “the grey areas too often forgotten by the media.” <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> In December of that year, Le Gouil was kidnapped in [[Somalia]], Africa while working on a documentary on [[human trafficking]]. <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> He was held hostage for eight days, and was then released unharmed. <ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>
⚫
Today, Le Gouil, along with the rest of his production company, continues to manage Cargo Culte Productions and to create documentaries that reveal those “grey areas” of the world. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>


⚫
Le Gouil started his journalism career when he became a freelancer with [[Arte]] television, which is based in [[Strasburg, Germany]] with an office in [[Paris, France]].<ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>
⚫
In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the Albert Londres Award, along with Fabrice Launay and Anne Poiret, for their film called “Mutter, a crime against humanitarians,” which was based in Sri Lanka, Asia.<ref name="Cargo Culte" />


⚫
In 2007, Gwen Le Gouil, along with his partner Jean-Laurent Bodinier, created Cargo Culte Productions. They create documentaries that focus on “the grey areas too often forgotten by the media.” <ref name="Cargo Culte" /> In December 2007, Le Gouil was kidnapped in Somalia, Africa while working on a documentary on human trafficking.<ref name=ifex1 /> He was held hostage for eight days, and was then released unharmed.<ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>
== Sri Lanka video==
⚫
Today, Le Gouil, along with the rest of his production company, continues to manage Cargo Culte Productions and to create documentaries that reveal those “grey areas” of the world.<ref name="Cargo Culte" />
⚫
Le Gouil was awarded with the [[Albert Londres Prize]] in 2007 for a video about the killings of humanitarian workers in [[Sri Lanka]]. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/v |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>



== Kidnapping==
== Kidnapping==
⚫
After only 24 hours upon arrival to [[Marrero]], Africa, Le Gouil was kidnapped by five men armed with AK-47s on December 16, 2007. The [[abductors]] were said to have told Le Gouil’s translator and driver to leave the scene immediately. <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> <ref name=bbc1>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7147068.stm |title=Africa &#124; French newsman seized in Somalia |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-12-16 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Le Gouil was then moved from the [[Bosaso]] region to a mountainous area east of the country <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>, where he had no access to clean water or medicine. <ref name=cpj>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/19/idUSL19179376 |title=Somali officials must help free held reporter-CPJ |publisher=Reuters |date=2007-12-19 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> In order to release Le Gouil, the kidnappers supposedly wanted $70,000 from the government. <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Various elders of the region and many government officials were negotiating this trade- off in order to set Le Gouil free. <ref name=cnn>{{cite news|author=December 25, 2007 |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-25/world/somalia.journalist_1_puntland-region-somalia-group-lists?_s=PM:WORLD |title=French journalist freed in Somalia - CNN |publisher=Articles.cnn.com |date=2007-12-25 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Eight days later, on December 24, Le Gouil was finally released to two elders, who were from the same clan as the kidnappers. <ref name=rue>{{cite news|url=http://www.rue89.com/2008/02/02/otage-en-somalie-les-images-de-ma-captivite |title=Otage en Somalie : les images de ma captivité |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Rue89 |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Supposedly no money was taken in exchange for Le Gouil’s freedom. <ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> When set free, he was reported to be in good health <ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> with no major injuries. Soon after his release, the elders took Le Gouil to the [[Puntland]] ministers who would return Le Gouil to French diplomats in a hotel in [[Bosaso]]. <ref name=ifex1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifex.org/somalia/2007/12/17/french_journalist_kidnapped_by/ |title=French journalist kidnapped by armed men |publisher=IFEX |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> <ref name=rue>{{cite news|url=http://www.rue89.com/2008/02/02/otage-en-somalie-les-images-de-ma-captivite |title=Otage en Somalie : les images de ma captivité |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Rue89 |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>

{{Location map+ | Somalia
{{Location map+ | Somalia
| relief = 1
| relief = 1
Line 108: Line 103:
| caption = Mentioned locations in Somalia in relation to Mogadishu.
| caption = Mentioned locations in Somalia in relation to Mogadishu.
| alt = Mogadishu is in Somalia
| alt = Mogadishu is in Somalia
| places = {{Location map~ | Somalia
| places =
{{Location map~ | Somalia
| label = Mogadishu
| label = Mogadishu
| position = right
| position = right
| lat_deg = 2 | lat_min = 02 | lat_sec = | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 2 | lat_min = 02 | lat_sec = | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 45 | lon_min = 21 | lon_sec = | lon_dir = E}}
| lon_deg = 45 | lon_min = 21 | lon_sec = | lon_dir = E}}
⚫
{{Location map~ | Somalia
⚫
}}
⚫
{{Location map+ | Somalia
| relief = 1
| width = 220
| float = left
| caption = Mentioned locations in Somalia in relation to Mogadishu.
| alt = Bosaso is in Somalia
| places = {{Location map~ | Somalia
| label = Bosaso
| label = Bosaso
| position = right
| position = right
Line 126: Line 115:
| lat_deg = 11 | lat_min = 16 | lat_sec = 59.9999 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 11 | lat_min = 16 | lat_sec = 59.9999 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 49 | lon_min = 10 | lon_sec = 0.0001 | lon_dir = E}}
| lon_deg = 49 | lon_min = 10 | lon_sec = 0.0001 | lon_dir = E}}
⚫
}}After only 24 hours upon arrival to [[Marrero]], Africa, Le Gouil was kidnapped by five men armed with AK-47s on December 16, 2007. The [[abductors]] were said to have told Le Gouil’s translator and driver to leave the scene immediately.<ref name=ifex1 /> <ref name=bbc1>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7147068.stm |title=Africa &#124; French newsman seized in Somalia |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-12-16 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Le Gouil was then moved from the [[Bosaso]] region to a mountainous area east of the country <ref name=ifex1 />, where he had no access to clean water or medicine.<ref name=cpj>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/19/idUSL19179376 |title=Somali officials must help free held reporter-CPJ |publisher=Reuters |date=2007-12-19 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> In order to release Le Gouil, the kidnappers supposedly wanted $70,000 from the government. <ref name=ifex1 /> Various elders of the region and many government officials were negotiating this trade-off in order to set Le Gouil free. <ref name=cnn>{{cite news|author=December 25, 2007 |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-25/world/somalia.journalist_1_puntland-region-somalia-group-lists?_s=PM:WORLD |title=French journalist freed in Somalia - CNN |publisher=Articles.cnn.com |date=2007-12-25 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Eight days later, on December 24, Le Gouil was finally released to two elders, who were from the same clan as the kidnappers.<ref name=rue>{{cite news|url=http://www.rue89.com/2008/02/02/otage-en-somalie-les-images-de-ma-captivite |title=Otage en Somalie : les images de ma captivité |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Rue89 |date= |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Supposedly no money was taken in exchange for Le Gouil’s freedom.<ref name=france /> When set free, he was reported to be in good health<ref name=france /> with no major injuries. Soon after his release, the elders took Le Gouil to the [[Puntland]] ministers who would return Le Gouil to French diplomats in a hotel in Bosaso.<ref name=ifex1 /> <ref name=rue />
}}
⚫
== Context ==
⚫
Between the years of 2006-2009, [[Somalia]] was actively engaged in a war with [[Ethiopia]], causing great tension between the two countries. <ref name="The History Guy">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.historyguy.com/ethiopia-somalia_war_2006.html|title=The Ethiopia-Somalia War|publisher=Roger A. Lee and History Guy Media |date=|accessdate= 2012-11-5}}</ref> Due to [[Somalia]] being without a central government since 1991, the violence led to the three-way split of the country. The new regions included: South and Central [[Somalia]], the self-declared [[Republic of Somaliland]], and the Autonomous State of [[Puntland]]. <ref name="UNHCR">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e483ad6.html |title=UNHCR-Somalia |publisher-UNHCR |date= |accessdate= 2012-11-5}}</ref> Over the years, [[Somalia]] has become one of the main migration points in Africa. People continuously risk their lives to pass over the [[Gulf of Aden]] in order to free themselves from food scarcity and [[human trafficking]]. <ref name="UNHCR">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e483ad6.html |title=UNHCR-Somalia |publisher-UNHCR |date= |accessdate= 2012-11-5}}</ref>On December 16, 2007, 50 bodies had washed upon the shore of the [[Yemen]] Coast because of the fatal attempts to cross over [[Yemen]]. <ref name=bbc1>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7147068.stm |title=Africa &#124; French newsman seized in Somalia |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-12-16 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> Fatalities were occurring more often during 2007, especially when eight Somali journalists were killed when reporting about the violence between [[Ethiopia]] and [[Islam]]. <ref name=cpj>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/19/idUSL19179376 |title=Somali officials must help free held reporter-CPJ |publisher=Reuters |date=2007-12-19 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>According to Press Emblem Campaign, after Iraq, Somalia was the next dangerous country for journalist to report in. <ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>
⚫
== Reactions ==
When released from captivity, Le Gouil was criticized by [[Puntland]]’s president for not informing the government of his plan to work in the area of [[Bosaso]] on a documentary film. <ref name=cnn>{{cite news|author=December 25, 2007 |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-25/world/somalia.journalist_1_puntland-region-somalia-group-lists?_s=PM:WORLD |title=French journalist freed in Somalia - CNN |publisher=Articles.cnn.com |date=2007-12-25 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref>During an interview two years after his kidnapping, Le Gouil stated how he thinks about the people he met in [[Somalia]] on regular basis, but he is unable to return back into the country due to losing all creditability. <ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref> He hopes to one day revisit the country and do more journalistic work. <ref name="le telegramme">{{cite news|url=http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/gwenlaouen-le-gouil-traqueur-d-images-13-12-2009-697874.php |title=Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=Bretagne |date=2009-12-13 |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>
⚫
==Awards==
⚫
In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the [[Albert Londres]] prize due to his documentary in [[Sri Lanka]]. <ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://www.enjoyfrance.com/news/french-cameraman-gwen-le-gouil-freed-in-somalia-2007-12-27-1552.html |title=French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia |publisher=Enjoy France |date=2007-12-27 |accessdate=2012-09-21}}</ref> In 2008, Le Gouil received the “Best Report Award” at a Festival in Italy for his documentary “Somalia: leave or die.” Le Gouil was also awarded the “Best Investigation” award for his broadcast on [[Arte]] for “Poor Whites” at the Scoop Festival in [[Angers, France]]. Also at this event, he received the “Young Reporter Award”. <ref name="Cargo Culte">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.cargoculte.fr/ |title=cargo culte productions |language={{fr icon}} |publisher=cargo culte |date= |accessdate=2012-10-17}}</ref>


⚫
=== Context ===
⚫
Between the years of 2006-2009, Somalia was actively engaged in a war with [[Ethiopia]], causing great tension between the two countries. <ref name="The History Guy">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.historyguy.com/ethiopia-somalia_war_2006.html|title=The Ethiopia-Somalia War|publisher=Roger A. Lee and History Guy Media |date=|accessdate= 2012-11-5}}</ref> Due to Somalia being without a central government since 1991, the violence led to the three-way split of the country. The new regions included: South and Central Somalia, the self-declared [[Republic of Somaliland]], and the Autonomous State of Puntland.<ref name="UNHCR">{{cite webpage|url=http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e483ad6.html |title=UNHCR-Somalia |publisher-UNHCR |date= |accessdate= 2012-11-5}}</ref> Over the years, Somalia has become one of the main migration points in Africa. People continuously risk their lives to pass over the [[Gulf of Aden]] in order to free themselves from food scarcity and human trafficking.<ref name="UNHCR" /> On December 16, 2007, 50 bodies had washed upon the shore of the [[Yemen]] Coast because of the fatal attempts to cross over Yemen.<ref name=bbc1 /> Fatalities were occurring more often during 2007, especially when eight Somali journalists were killed when reporting about the violence between [[Ethiopia]] and [[Islam]].<ref name=cpj /> According to Press Emblem Campaign, after Iraq, Somalia was the next dangerous country for journalist to report in.<ref name=france />


⚫
=== Reactions ===
When released from captivity, Le Gouil was criticized by Puntland’s president for not informing the government of his plan to work in the area of Bosaso on a documentary film.<ref name=cnn />During an interview two years after his kidnapping, Le Gouil stated how he thinks about the people he met in Somalia on regular basis, but he is unable to return back into the country due to losing all creditability.<ref name="le telegramme" /> He hopes to one day revisit the country and do more journalistic work.<ref name="le telegramme" />

⚫
==Awards==
⚫
In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the Albert Londres prize due to his documentary in Sri Lanka.<ref name=france /> In 2008, Le Gouil received the “Best Report Award” at a Festival in Italy for his documentary “Somalia: leave or die.” Le Gouil was also awarded the “Best Investigation” award for his broadcast on [[Arte]] for “Poor Whites” at the Scoop Festival in [[Angers, France]]. Also at this event, he received the “Young Reporter Award”.<ref name="Cargo Culte" />


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{Persondata
| NAME = Le Gouil, Gwen
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Le Gouil, Gwenlaouen
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = French television journalist
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1975?
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Lorient, France
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
⚫
}}

<!--- Categories --->
[[:Category:Albert Londres Prize recipients]]
[[:Category:French journalists]]
[[:Category:French television journalists]]
[[:Category:People from Lorient]]

Revision as of 15:07, 6 December 2012

Template:WAP assignment

Gwen Le Gouil
Born
Gwenlaouen Le Gouil

1975?
Lorient, France
DisappearedBosaso, Somalia
StatusReleased unharmed after a brief detainment
NationalityFrench
EducationQuimper University, France
Occupation(s)Free lance cameraman and owner of Cargo Cult production company
AwardsAlbert Londres Prize,Big International Reporting Festival Ilaria Alpi, Italy, Young Reporter Prize of the Festival d'Angers Scoop,

Gwenlaouen Le Gouil, also known as Gwen Le Gouil, (1975?- ), is a French freelance camera operator for Arte in France, who is known for his award-winning video about the killing of humanitarian workers in Sri Lanka and for being kidnapped in Somalia while filming a documentary on human trafficking.

Le Gouil was awarded with the Albert Londres Prize in 2007 for for Muttur: un crime contre l'humanitaire, a video about the killings of humanitarian workers in Sri Lanka.[1]

Personal

Gwenlaouen Le Gouil, also referred to as Gwen Le Gouil, was born in 1975? in Lorient, France. Throughout his childhood, Le Gouil was raised in Bénodet, France. His parents, both former teachers, who continue to reside in Quimper, France.[2] Le Gouil was educated at a college in Quimper.[2] While in school, Le Gouil studied history and journalism, where he would soon begin his career in the communication field.[1] Aside from journalism, Le Gouil is also an avid surfer.

Career

Le Gouil first began his interest for reporting after the occurrence of many historical events that happened in the l980’s. After the collapse of the USSR and the fall of the Berlin Wall, Le Gouil’s passion for reporting was enhanced.[1] He was offered various journalism opportunities to freelance in Asia, and Le Gouil chose to work in Bangkok, Thailand.[2]

Le Gouil started his journalism career when he became a freelancer with Arte television, which is based in Strasburg, Germany with an office in Paris, France.[3] In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the Albert Londres Award, along with Fabrice Launay and Anne Poiret, for their film called “Mutter, a crime against humanitarians,” which was based in Sri Lanka, Asia.[1]

In 2007, Gwen Le Gouil, along with his partner Jean-Laurent Bodinier, created Cargo Culte Productions. They create documentaries that focus on “the grey areas too often forgotten by the media.” [1] In December 2007, Le Gouil was kidnapped in Somalia, Africa while working on a documentary on human trafficking.[3] He was held hostage for eight days, and was then released unharmed.[4] Today, Le Gouil, along with the rest of his production company, continues to manage Cargo Culte Productions and to create documentaries that reveal those “grey areas” of the world.[1]

Kidnapping

Mogadishu is in Somalia
Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Bosaso
Bosaso
class=notpageimage|
Mentioned locations in Somalia in relation to Mogadishu.

After only 24 hours upon arrival to Marrero, Africa, Le Gouil was kidnapped by five men armed with AK-47s on December 16, 2007. The abductors were said to have told Le Gouil’s translator and driver to leave the scene immediately.[3] [5] Le Gouil was then moved from the Bosaso region to a mountainous area east of the country [3], where he had no access to clean water or medicine.[6] In order to release Le Gouil, the kidnappers supposedly wanted $70,000 from the government. [3] Various elders of the region and many government officials were negotiating this trade-off in order to set Le Gouil free. [7] Eight days later, on December 24, Le Gouil was finally released to two elders, who were from the same clan as the kidnappers.[8] Supposedly no money was taken in exchange for Le Gouil’s freedom.[4] When set free, he was reported to be in good health[4] with no major injuries. Soon after his release, the elders took Le Gouil to the Puntland ministers who would return Le Gouil to French diplomats in a hotel in Bosaso.[3] [8]

Context

Between the years of 2006-2009, Somalia was actively engaged in a war with Ethiopia, causing great tension between the two countries. [9] Due to Somalia being without a central government since 1991, the violence led to the three-way split of the country. The new regions included: South and Central Somalia, the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, and the Autonomous State of Puntland.[10] Over the years, Somalia has become one of the main migration points in Africa. People continuously risk their lives to pass over the Gulf of Aden in order to free themselves from food scarcity and human trafficking.[10] On December 16, 2007, 50 bodies had washed upon the shore of the Yemen Coast because of the fatal attempts to cross over Yemen.[5] Fatalities were occurring more often during 2007, especially when eight Somali journalists were killed when reporting about the violence between Ethiopia and Islam.[6] According to Press Emblem Campaign, after Iraq, Somalia was the next dangerous country for journalist to report in.[4]

Reactions

When released from captivity, Le Gouil was criticized by Puntland’s president for not informing the government of his plan to work in the area of Bosaso on a documentary film.[7]During an interview two years after his kidnapping, Le Gouil stated how he thinks about the people he met in Somalia on regular basis, but he is unable to return back into the country due to losing all creditability.[2] He hopes to one day revisit the country and do more journalistic work.[2]

Awards

In 2007, Le Gouil was awarded the Albert Londres prize due to his documentary in Sri Lanka.[4] In 2008, Le Gouil received the “Best Report Award” at a Festival in Italy for his documentary “Somalia: leave or die.” Le Gouil was also awarded the “Best Investigation” award for his broadcast on Arte for “Poor Whites” at the Scoop Festival in Angers, France. Also at this event, he received the “Young Reporter Award”.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "cargo culte productions" (in Template:Fr icon). cargo culte. Retrieved 2012-10-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  2. ^ a b c d e "Gwenlaouen Le Gouil. Traqueur d'images" (in Template:Fr icon). Bretagne. 2009-12-13. Retrieved 2012-10-17.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  3. ^ a b c d e f "French journalist kidnapped by armed men". IFEX. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  4. ^ a b c d e "French cameraman Gwen Le Gouil freed in Somalia". Enjoy France. 2007-12-27. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  5. ^ a b "Africa | French newsman seized in Somalia". BBC News. 2007-12-16. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  6. ^ a b "Somali officials must help free held reporter-CPJ". Reuters. 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  7. ^ a b December 25, 2007 (2007-12-25). "French journalist freed in Somalia - CNN". Articles.cnn.com. Retrieved 2012-09-21.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ a b "Otage en Somalie : les images de ma captivité" (in Template:Fr icon). Rue89. Retrieved 2012-09-21.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  9. ^ "The Ethiopia-Somalia War". Roger A. Lee and History Guy Media. Retrieved 2012-11-5. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ a b "UNHCR-Somalia". Retrieved 2012-11-5. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Text "publisher-UNHCR" ignored (help)

Template:Persondata

Category:Albert Londres Prize recipients Category:French journalists Category:French television journalists Category:People from Lorient

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