Captors threaten Johnston death
The BBC correspondent was last seen in a video filmed by his captors on June 1st
Also In The News
|
US golfer Tiger Woods has started brightly in his bid to secure a 13th major championship after solid progress in the early stages of the US Open third round. |  |
Sunday, 17, Jun 2007 09:39
A video showing masked Palestinian militants threatening the death of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston has been broadcast by the al-Jazeera television channel.
Apparently refuting claims by Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri earlier today that Mr Johnston would be released earlier "within the next few hours", the main spokesperson says the journalist's release depends on the release of Muslim prisoners in foreign jails.
"There are developments and we will let you know when there are new developments. Our demands are known - to release Palestinian prisoners," the militant says in the video.
"If things get worse, we will get closer to God by killing this journalist. We will not release this prisoner until our demands are met," he added.
Mr Johnston's captors' latest video dashes hopes raised today by Mr Zuhri's comments. He had said earlier there were "encouraging indicators that he will be released in the near future".
A BBC spokesperson has declined to comment on the latest reports. Yesterday, a BBC spokesman said firm confirmation of Alan's situation had not been received in spite of reports of negotiations.
The Foreign Office responded by continuing to urge "Alan's safe and swift release".
"We. welcome the efforts of all those in the Palestinian territories to that end," a spokesperson said. "These videos only add more distress to Alan's family and friends."