Just another misunderstood jihadi preacher
Though he is Osama bin Laden’s “spiritual representative in Europe,” the jihadi kidnappers insist he is being “unjustly” held: as if kidnappers know the first thing about justice or injustice in the first place. “Free hate cleric or hostage dies,” from Metro.Co.UK, April 26:
Islamic militants have threatened to kill a British hostage unless Gordon Brown releases a suspected terrorist from prison.
The African group said in an online statement that it will execute the tourist, snatched earlier this year, if Abu Qatada is not freed within three weeks.
“We demand that Britain release Sheikh Abu Qatada, who is unjustly (held), for the release of its British citizen. We give it 20 days as of the issuance of this statement.
‘When this period expires the mujahideen will kill the hostage,” the message read.
Radical preacher Abu Qatada, said to be in charge of al-Qaeda’s European arm, was jailed in 2002 accused of having links with militant groups but was released in 2005.
The 48-year-old was re-arrested and is pending deportation to Jordan where he faces life in prison.
It is believed the Briton was kidnapped by gunmen in Mali near the border with Niger on January 22…