Getty Images
18 January, 2005
Samar Hassan cries seconds after US troops shot and killed her parents. Soldiers opened fire after the car driven by Samar's father failed to stop as it approached their dusk patrol. A US military statement said troops trying to halt the car used hand signals and fired warning shots before firing directly at the car, killing the driver and front-seat passenger. The town had only days before been the scene of a gun battle between US forces and local insurgents. As a defense against car bombs in many cities in Iraq, it had become standard practice for foot patrols to stop oncoming vehicles, particularly after dark. Five of Samar's siblings were in the car with her. All six survived, although her brother Racan was seriously wounded. US soldiers gave the children first aid before taking them to a nearby hospital.
Chris Hondros
American photojournalist Chris Hondros (New York City, 1970 - Misrata, Libya, 2011) studied English literature at North Caroline State University before becoming a photographer. ...
Through our education programs, the World Press Photo Foundation encourages diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives.
Our exhibitions showcase stories that make people stop, feel, think and act to a worldwide audience.
Our annual contest recognizes and rewards the best in photojournalism and documentary photography.
