Iraq slams Care kidnapping

2004-10-20 21:34

Baghdad - The Iraqi government denounced on Wednesday the kidnapping of Margaret Hassan, the head of the international relief group Care in Baghdad, and lashed out at Al-Jazeera television for airing footage of her in captivity.

"We condemn the kidnapping of... Margaret Hassan by terrorists in Iraq... (as a) crime against Islam and Iraqi traditions," said a statement from Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office.

The government lauded Hassan for her efforts in Iraqand said her kidnapping on Tuesday was "a clear indication of the base and bad intentions of the terrorists who call themselves mujahedeen (holy warriors)."

The government said it was working hand in hand to secure her release with the governments of Britain and Ireland, where she also holds citizenship.

But it attacked Qatar-based Al-Jazeera for airing footage of her in captivity that was sent to the station by Hassan's kidnappers.

"It is regrettable, but comes as no surprise, that the television channel Al-Jazeera has once again served as the advertising agency of these terrorists," the statement read, urging responsibility in media coverage.

The satellite channel's offices in Baghdad were shut down by the government in the summer amid allegations by Iraq that it was abetting the country's deadly insurgency.

- AFP