Kidnapped BBC scribe wears explosives belt in video

A new video recording seen on Monday shows kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston wearing what appears to be suicide bomber’s

A new video recording seen on Monday shows kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston wearing what appears to be suicide bomber’s explosives belt and warning it will be detonated if an attempt is made to free him by force. The tape, called “Alan’s Appeal”, was posted on a website used by militant groups to post their messages. The video was made by the Army of Islam, the shadowy group that claimed responsibility for snatching Johnston, a BBC correspondent, from a Gaza City street on March 12.

“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 1 minute, 42 second, recording, looking nervous and under stress. “And the situation is now very serious, as you can see.”

Johnston (45) is seen wearing a red sweater with a blue and white checked vest strapped around his body — the apparent bomb belt. “I have been dressed in what is an explosives belt, which the kidnappers say will be detonated if there is an attempt to storm the area,” he continued. “They say they are ready to turn the hideout into what they describe as a death zone if there is an attempt to free me by force.”

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Johnston was standing and shaking his head as he spoke. Light entered the room from above, and an Arabic translation was provided on the screen.

“I do appeal to the Hamas movement and the British government not, not to, resort to the tactics of force in an effort to end this,” he said, in a jittery tone. “I’d ask the BBC and anyone in Britain who wishes me well to support me in that appeal,” he said. “It seems the answer is to return to negotiations, which I am told are very close to achieving a deal.”

A spokesman for the British Foreign Office condemned the release of the video, saying it only adds to the distress of Johnston’s family. It was not known when video was made.

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