Militants release video of kidnapped journalists

A PREVIOUSLY unheard of Palestinian group, the Holy Jihad Brigades, yesterday released the first video of two kidnapped Fox News journalists and demanded that Muslim prisoners in US jails be released within 72 hours in exchange for the men, a Palestinian news agency reported.

In the video, Steve Centanni, 60, from California, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, of New Zealand, appeared to be in good health, seated on the floor in sweat suits against a black background. No armed men were shown.

“Our captors are treating us well,” Mr Centanni said, adding that they had access to clean water, showers, bathrooms, food and clothing.

“So, just want to let you know I am here and alive and give my love to my family and friends and ask to do anything you can to try to help us get out of here,” he added.

Mr Wiig called for help to get them freed.

“If you could apply any pressure on the local government here in Gaza and the West Bank, that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself,” Wiig said.

It was the first time the two have been seen since they were kidnapped on August 14 near the Palestinian security services headquarters in Gaza City. The video was broadcast by Al-Jazeera.

Although Palestinian militant groups have often seized foreigners, including members of the media, this is the longest any have been held.

News agency Ramattan reported that the Palestinian group had demanded in a statement that Muslim prisoners in US jails be released within three days in exchange for the pair. The group did not say what would happen if the deadline passed unanswered.