Letter: A right to tell the hostages' story

Sir: We note the Independent's insistence on seeking to convict us of distressing insensitivity in making the 'essentially private' suffering of the hostages public for mercenary purposes ('Drama out of suffering', 22 September).

During the past five years the Independent, in common with every other section of the media, has carried dozens of articles and feature pieces about the same hostages and about the same 'essentially private' suffering in order to sell newspapers. We do not accuse them, but recognise their right and responsibility.

Yours sincerely,

R. A. FITZWALTER

Executive Producer

Granada Television

Manchester