Call for journalists not to be used as bargaining chips after Army of Islam claims BBC correspondent's abduction

Reporters Without Borders voiced deep concern today after the Army of Islam, a group known to be involved in armed activity in the Gaza Strip, released a message yesterday claiming responsibility for BBC correspondent Alan Johnston's abduction and calling on the British government to free Muslim detainees. The press freedom organisation said it would stage a demonstration outside the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic representation in Paris at 11 a.m. on 11 May to press demands for the release of Johnston, who would begin his third month in captivity the next day. “We are getting more and more concerned about Johnston as his captivity continues and his abductors have provided no evidence that he is unhurt,”Reporters Without Borders said. “We call on them not to delay his release with unrealistic demands. Their radicalized discourse and the lack of proof that he is still alive are making the wait for his family and colleagues unbearable. They have had no word from him for nearly two months.” The press freedom organisation added: “Journalists must not be used as bargaining chips. The Gaza Strip risks being completely abandoned by journalists. Most foreign news organisation are already strongly advising their correspondents not to go there.” The Army of Islam's claim of responsibility for Johnston's abduction was made in a CD-ROM sent to several news media in Gaza. It contained an audio file in which the group demanded the release of Muslims held by the British government, especially a Palestinian who has been detained since 2005 and who is regarded as Al-Qaeda's spiritual leader in Europe. “We demand that Britain free our prisoners, particularly Sheikh Abu Qatada, the Palestinian,” the audio message said. “We have not forgotten our prisoners in other infidel countries, either. We tell them to free our prisoners or we will retaliate in the same manner.” Reporters Without Borders has learned that the CD-ROM also contained photos, including a photo of Johnston's press card, and a voice recording of person who could not be identified. The Army of Islam was one of three groups that claimed responsibility for the capture of an Israeli soldier, Corp. Gilad Shalit, in June 2006. The other two were the armed wing of Hamas and the popular resistance committees. In its message yesterday, the Army of Islam provided no information about Johnston's state of health, but did not make any threats against him, either. It said it would kidnap other westerners if its demands were not met. When two Fox News journalists were kidnapped in August 2006, their abductors issued a video in which they showed the two hostages and demanded the release of Muslims held by the United States. The BBC's main correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Johnston was on his way home from his office on 12 March when gunmen intercepted his car and drove off with him.