New Plea for Release of Hostage
Posted on: Saturday, 24 December 2005, 15:00 CST
By ANNA FARLEY
THE family of a British man held hostage in Iraq issued a fresh appeal for his release last night, nearly two weeks after his captors threatened to execute him.
There is still no news of 74-year-old peace campaigner Norman Kember, from Pinner, north-west London who was seized in Baghdad on November 26 with James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, both Canadians, and American Tom Fox, 54.
The families of the four men issued a joint appeal for their safe return which will be published in Arabic in Iraqi newspapers over the next three days.
The Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, had threatened to kill the group by December 10 unless Iraqi prisoners were released. There has been no news of the hostages since the deadline expired.
The appeal reads: "A month has passed since our loved ones - Norman, James, Harmeet and Tom - were kidnapped in Iraq.
"In this time, Iraq has held elections for a constitutionally- elected Government. This is a new start for Iraq and Iraqis to take control of their own destiny. It is a time for new starts.
"Many clerics and religious figures from the Arab and Muslim world have spoken over the past weeks of the good work they were doing in Iraq and that their organisation has done in Palestine, and they have called for their release.
"We appeal to you to help us ensure the safe return of our relatives.
"If you have any information which can help, please call this number, you do not have to reveal your identity, 07901 911977."
The appeal will also be transmitted on Iraqi radio on Monday.
Earlier yesterday, The Muslim Association of Britain also renewed its plea to Mr Kember's captors.
The organisation has already called for his release through Arabic TV and radio stations.
The families of the four men can also be contacted by emailing familyappealyahoo.com.
welshnews@dailypost.co.uk
Source: Daily Post; Liverpool
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