In what is believed to be the kidnappers first public demands, if they actually are the group responsible for abducting Alan Johnston, the ‘Army of Islam’ has released a video stating that he will not be released until the British Government releases Palestinian prisoners, inparticular Sheikh Abu Qatada from jail.
It had previously been widely rumoured, though not publicly stated, that the people who kidnapped him were an influential family with criminal ties in Palestine, who were looking for more political sway in the region. Currently, it is not known whether this tape indicates the previous rumours were incorrect, if Alan has been passed from the family to a more militant group or whether the tape is in fact genuine at all – the only ‘fresh’ evidence to support their claims is a photo of Alan’s BBC ID card.
Read more here.
May 09 2007
Alan Johnston Kidnappers Make Their Demands
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Apr 12 2007
Alan Johnston Appeal
If you’ve watched almost any news channels in the last month, you’ll have been hard pressed to have missed seeing reports on the abduction of Alan Johnston. He is the BBC’s journalist in Palestine , and in what looks to be a world first, BBC World (BBC 24 for UK viewers), Sky News and Al Jazeera English will simultaneously be broadcasting a program to raise awareness of Alan’s plight, and will apparently feature Mark Thompson (BBC’s Director-General) directly appealing for Alan’s release.
It is due to be simulcast at 14:30 BST (13:30 GMT) today.
[update] Just heard CNN are taking part as well