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| Iraq |
| Kidnappers say British Hostage has killed himself |
| 2008-07-19 |
| One of five British hostages captured in Iraq last year has committed suicide, the kidnappers said in a videotape obtained by The Sunday Times. A written statement displayed on the videotape says the hostage, identified as Jason, died May 25, four days before the first anniversary of his abduction, the London, England-based newspaper reported. The video was received in Baghdad last week, the newspaper said. The British government confirmed the videotape but said it could not independently verify the claims in the video, including the hostage's "purported death," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said. "As in the case of previous messages from the hostage takers, the Government emphasizes the humanitarian appeal of the families for the men's release," a statement from the Foreign Office said. The video is titled "Intihar" -- or "suicide" -- and opens with a photograph of the hostage wearing a football shirt, the newspaper reported. He is identified as Jason in a statement signed "The Shiite Islamic Resistance in Iraq" that appears on screen. (more at link) |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #3 The newspaper reported that the captors said say they regret the hostage's death "but hold the British government responsible for the hostages' fate." Err, no. You kidnapped him. You would not take care of him properly. By my logic you assumed full responsibility twice over. Now unless you are an HMO, you are going to have to deal with the consequences of your (in)action. |
| Posted by: gorb 2008-07-19 22:35 |
| #2 "We didn't intend for him to die." Sort of a Lindberg kidnapper defense. Hopefully taken about as seriously... |
| Posted by: M. Murcek 2008-07-19 22:21 |
| #1 no reason not to pursue and eliminate his kidnappers, regardless. They deserve no less |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-07-19 21:38 |