A high-profile terror suspect has made a television appeal from prison in England for the release of a British hostage being held in Iraq. Abu Qatada was allowed to film his plea as part of an unprecedented effort to secure the lives of Norman Kember and three other Western peace activists. Officials admitted that it was a unique broadcast but, with the kidnappers threatening to kill their captives within the next few days, they were prepared to take the desperate measures. Their hope is that the intervention of such a prominent Islamic militant may succeed in persuading the kidnappers from the Swords of Truth group after efforts by more than 20 Muslim groups have so far failed. Last night the kidnappers extended the deadline for killing their hostages by 48 hours to Saturday night and released new footage of Mr Kember pleading for Britain to pull out troops from Iraq and for help to free him."Not enough desperation that time, Mr. Kember. Let's try it again!"
British diplomats are reported to have used more intermediaries than they did during the failed attempt to save Kenneth Bigley and Margaret Hassan. But few could have expected that ministers would turn to a man described by judges as âa truly dangerous individualâ. Officials insist that they have offered no leniency to Abu Qatada in return for his role. They claim that it was he who approached prison staff with an offer to intervene. Both the Home and Foreign secretaries gave permission after first checking with diplomats in Baghdad that Abu Qatadaâs plea would not jeopardise undercover efforts to save Mr Kember from Pinner, northwest London, two Canadians and an American. The Prime Minister was also informed.