Iraqis protest for kidnappers to release Hassan

AS violence raged across Iraq, hundreds of Iraqis demanded the release of Irish-born Iraqi hostage Margaret Hassan, saying she had touched many people with her humanitarian work.

Demonstrators, holding banners and pictures of Ms Hassan outside the Care International office in Baghdad which she directed, said Ms Hassan had spent years in Iraq helping the disabled.

“Freedom for Margaret,” said one banner. “Please release Margaret Hassan who has helped us,” read another.