Johnston kidnap group spokesman arrested

Hamas has arrested the spokesman of the Mideast group holding kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnston, it was reported today.

In a video released last month, Mr Johnston appeared with what he said were explosives strapped to his body and warned that his captors intended to set them off if rescuers attempt to free him by force.

The tape, called “Alan’s Appeal”, was put on a website used in the past by militant groups to post messages.

It was made by the Army of Islam, a shadowy, group inspired by al-Qaida that claimed responsibility for snatching Mr Johnston, a correspondent with the BBC, from a Gaza City street on March 12.

The only other video recording of Mr Johnston was posted on a different website on June 1.

Mr Johnston was the last Western correspondent based in Gaza. Others left because of the security situation and a wave of kidnappings. Johnston’s case has generated condemnations from human rights groups, governments and journalists’ organisations.