Video Released Of BBC Reporter Kidnapped In Gaza

A still from the video posted on an Islamist website (AFP) June 1, 2007 -- A video has been posted on an Islamist website showing the first pictures of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston since he went missing in Gaza City on March 12.

The video was reportedly released by the Army of Islam, which has claimed responsibility for Johnston's kidnapping.

In the three-minute video, Johnston appears pale and is sitting against a black background wearing a red sweater or shirt. Speaking slowly and calmly, he describes the conditions in which he has been living for more than eleven weeks.

"First of all, my captors have treated me very well," Johnston says. They have fed me well, there has been no violence toward me at all, and I am in good health."

It's not clear when the video was taped or whether he was told what to say.

He criticizes the British and U.S. governments for their military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, adding that the British government is "endlessly working to occupy the Muslim lands."

"In three years here in the Palestinian territories, I've witnessed the huge suffering of the Palestinian people, and my message is that their suffering is continuing and that it is unacceptable," Johnston says.

In the video, Johnston starts giving a message to his family, but is cut off. Subtitles then appear on the videotape, saying, "The BBC refused to take this message to his family."

Too Soon To Comment

Simon Wilson, the BBC's bureau chief in Jerusalem, said the broadcaster is investigating the video, which was accompanied by what appeared to be a picture of the 45-year-old Johnston's BBC identification card.

A BBC spokesman in London said the company plans to issue a statement later today.

Speaking after the release of the video, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain was doing everything in its power to secure Johnston's freedom.

Britain's Foreign Office also says it is aware of the video. A spokesman, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said "it is far too early to say whether this is a recent tape or to make any further comment."

In an Arabic voiceover on the video, Johnston's purported captors, the Army of Islam, repeat their demand for Britain to free Muslim prisoners, in particular the Islamist cleric Abu Qatada, who was arrested in Britain in August 2005. Abu Qatada is suspected of being one of Al-Qaeda's key figures in Europe.

Johnston has been missing longer than any foreigner kidnapped in Gaza. His disappearance has touched off protests and solidarity marches in London and the Palestinian territories.

(compiled from agency reports)