Kidnapped reporter seen wearing 'bomb vest'
This is the second video of the kidnapped journalist
Also In The News
|
Gordon Brown has been confirmed as leader of the Labour party, with Harriet Harman voted in as his deputy. |  |
Monday, 25, Jun 2007 08:13
Kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston has appeared in a second video wearing what he says is an "explosive belt" that will be detonated if attempts are made to free him by force.
The BBC's Gaza correspondent, who was kidnapped by a group called the Army of Islam on March 12th, was seen wearing a red sweater in the video with two shoulder straps holding a white and blue bag to his chest.
In the video, Mr Johnston says that reports that force could be used to release him from his captors had worsened the situation.
"Captors tell me that very promising negotiations were ruined when the Hamas movement and the British government decided to press for a military solution to this kidnapping.
"And the situation is now very serious, as you can see."
The kidnapped reporter appealed to the British government and Hamas to avoid using "tactics of force" to rescue him and warned that his captors had threatened to turn the hideout into a "death zone" if such an attempt was made.
A spokesman for the British Foreign Office said: "We condemn the continued release of videos like this which can only add to the distress of Alan Johnston's family and friends.
"They have not seen Alan for over 14 weeks. Those holding Alan should release him."
The BBC also repeated calls for Mr Johnston's immediate release, adding that it was distressing for his family and colleagues to see him being threatened in such a way.
The Army of Islam seeks to exchange Mr Johnston for prisoners such as Abu Qatada, a Palestinian-born Islamic cleric who has suspected links to al-Qaida and is currently being held by the UK government.