BBC reporter shown in tape wearing explosives-Hamas

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

BBC reporter shown in tape wearing explosives-Hamas
24 Jun 2007 19:23:03 GMT
Source: Reuters

GAZA, June 24 (Reuters) - Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on
Sunday that the kidnappers of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston
have made a new video of the abducted journalist wearing what
appeared to be explosives around his waist.

Haniyeh, prime minister of the Hamas-led government sacked by
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, disclosed the
video of Johnston in his first major speech since Hamas seized
control of the Gaza Strip just over a week ago.

"In the past they showed him in an orange uniform. Today they
showed him with an explosives belt round his waist," Haniyeh said.

A Palestinian source close to the negotiations confirmed the
existence of a new tape showing Johnston wearing an explosives
belt. The tape has not been aired publicly but the contents were
shared with Haniyeh.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L2487059.htm

[Atmosphere]

1. They need to release him

immediately. I mean it's one thing to kidnap a Faux news reporter:evilgrin:, but to kidnap somebody who's actually sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and then end up souring him and a whole bunch of other people. So retarded.

[John Q. Citizen]

2. Perhaps it's the bush funded Al Quida who grabbed him. (see the Seymore Hersh article)

[Tom Joad]

4. It was done by a small group that has very little support in Gaza

and everyone of any standing is calling for his release.

[pelsar]

7. actually.....

we understand that one of the larger clans are holding him.....and hamas has decided not to take them on (not a splinter group)

[Tom Joad]

3. from the story above: "We will not allow the continuation of the abduction of the British journalist

The issue of Alan Johnston must end," Haniyeh said on Sunday.

Haniyeh said his government has not used force to free Johnston at the request of the British government, fearing he might be killed or injured in the process.

[The Magistrate]

5. Then Let Us See How He Halts It, Sir

His gun-men are masters of the street, and if, as you say, the splinter has no support, there must be many who could and would sell them to his government.

[Eugene]

6. AP: Video Post Shows Captured BBC Reporter

Source: Associated Press

Video Post Shows Captured BBC Reporter

By SARAH EL DEEB, Associated Press Writer

Sunday, June 24, 2007

(06-24) 20:34 PDT GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) --

A video recording released Monday shows kidnapped British
journalist Alan Johnston wearing an apparent explosives belt
of the type suicide bombers use and warning it will be
detonated if an attempt is made to free him by force.

The video, about one minute, 42 seconds long, was posted on
a Web site that has been used by militant groups in the past.
It opens with the title "Alan's Appeal" in both English and
Arabic and features the logo of the Army of Islam, a shadowy
group that has claimed responsibility for snatching Johnston,
a British Broadcasting Corp. correspondent.

"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," Johnston
says in the recording, looking nervous and stressed.

"And the situation is now very serious, as you can see."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/24/international/i192501D53.DTL

[pampango]

8. Wonder if he is being held in the same building as Gilad Shalit.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x178678

That way you only have to wire on building with explosives to prevent a rescue, though if Johnston has an explosive belt, they wouldn't need an explosive building as well.

[question everything]

9. Have they blamed Israel, yet?

Of course they have. This is why British trade unions want to boycott Israel..

:sarcasm: