Prisoner's Hostage Plea (from Osama bin Laden's ambassador in Europe)

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http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...475866,00.html

Prisoner's Hostage Plea
Updated: 18:42, Wednesday December 07, 2005

One of Britain's most high-profile Islamic extremists has appealed for the release of hostage Norman Kember in Iraq.

It comes just a day before the kidnappers' deadline, when they say they will begin killing their hostages.

Abu Qatada, who has been described by intelligence agencies as Osama bin Laden's ambassador in Europe, recorded the video message at Belmarsh high security prison.

British officials said the request to make an appeal came from Qatada himself, through his lawyer Gareth Peirce.

The tape was then distributed to satellite news stations in the Middle East.

Qatada, speaking in Arabic, appeals directly to the Swords of Righteousness Brigade who have threatened to kill Mr Kember and three other Western hostages.

Mr Kember, a 74-year-old peace activist from London, was seized in Baghdad 12 days ago.

The brigade said they will start executing their hostages, if prisoners in US and Iraqi jails are not released by tomorrow.

Qatada said he was the kidnappers' "brother" but added: "I urge them to release the four prisoners in Iraq. This is a merciful act according to the principles of Islam."

The Special Immigrations Appeals Commission has described Qatada as "a truly dangerous individual" and a key figure in al Qaeda-related terrorist activities.

He is currently being detained in Belmarsh and awaiting possible deportation from the UK.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the Government could not meet demands, adding "no government could meet" them.

i find this very interesting, especially when the hostage takers and osama's forces seem to be fighting for the same thing.

hopefully they will listen