Olaf Wiig, left, and Steve Centanni, who were kidnapped in Gaza last week, appeal for help to secure their release.
(Reuters)
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006; 11:48 AM
JERUSALEM, Aug. 23 -- Kidnappers of two Fox Television journalists taken while reporting from Gaza nine days ago released a videotape of the hostages and demanded that the U.S. government release Muslim prisoners from American jails within 72 hours.
The videotape from an unknown group calling itself the Brigades of Holy Jihad shows American reporter Steve Centanni and cameraman Olaf Wiig, from New Zealand, looking fit and saying they have been "treated fairly well."
The videotape was accompanied with a two-page statement condemning "the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan," and complaining that "our people have been raped."
The videotape is an ominous echo of kidnappings in Iraq. In the past, Palestinian groups have seized more than a dozen journalists, but almost all have been released quickly. Palestinian sources said they have never heard of this group and were struck that the statement accompanying the videotape did not demand release by Israel of Palestinian prisoners, a common demand of Palestinian groups. The kidnapping Aug. 14 had been condemned by Hamas and by other groups, but Palestinian officials had said they were unable to find out information on the kidnapping, an unusual circumstance raising worries about the men's safety.
The statement makes no threat to the two journalists if the demand is not met. The statement, which quoted from the Koran and talked in generalities about sufferings of the Muslim world, was not more specific in its demands for release of "Muslim prisoners."
In the tape, Centanni, 60, and Wiig, 36, are shown against a dark background, seated cross-legged. They are wearing casual running suits and note that they have food, water, a change of clothes and access to showers. In the 90-second tape, the two were animated, made small jokes and urged their families not to worry.
"I will do the worrying for all of us," Wiig said. Both men urged that political pressure be put on governments to help with their release. Wiig noted, however, that "I am sure you are doing this."
"Our captives are treating us well," Centanni said. "We love you all and want to go home. Hope to see you soon."
