BBC reporter Alan Johnston’s captors renewed their threat to kill him if their demands for the release of political prisoners are not met. The Army of Islam said Tuesday there was no room for discussion even if it results in Johnston being “slaughtered like a sheep.” The renewed threats come just days after a video broadcast featured Johnston wearing what appeared to be a belt strapped with explosives and saying they would be detonated if any attempt were made to rescue him by force. The Army of Islam also repeated its call for the release of Abu Qatada, a radical cleric imprisoned in Britain, and others.
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