The kidnapers of Alan Johnston, the BBC’s Gaza correspondent, have reportedly issued a demand that they claim would guarantee the swift release of the journalist.
Palestinian sources obtained by a Sunday newspaper claim Mr Johnston would be freed if an Iraqi woman who took part in a suicide bombing is released.
The woman, Sajida Mubarek al-Rishawi, was sentenced to death in September last year, for trying to blow herself up at a reception at the Radisson SAS hotel in Amman, Jordan in 2005.
Unlike her husband, her attempt to detonate herself during a wedding party failed, despite the blast killing more than 20 people, said to include the bride’s parents.
The demand for her release in return for Johnston’s freedom has strengthened claims that the kidnappers are more than mere criminals seeking a ransom.
However in making the demand known, the gunmen who seized the journalist used a codeword to confirm that Johnston is alive and well, The Sunday Times reported yesterday.
The news will come as some relief for Johnston’s family, media freedom groups and the 30,000 people who have signed their names to an online petition calling for his release.
Apr 16, 2007
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Previous Page
