Indonesian Hostages Released on Video

Two Indonesian journalists have been released by their captors. A video and still photographs were delivered to the Associated Press today showing the hostages receiving gift baskets, books, and shaking hands with the terrorists who had threatened to murder them only days before.

The two, Meutya Hafid and her cameraman known only as Budianto, were captured on January 31st, but Indonesia did not report their plight until last week [background here]. A hostage video then emerged two days ago and aired by the openly pro-terrorist al Jazeera televison [background here].

The AP reports that one of the masked terrorists in the video says:

"For reasons of suspicion, these two journalists were arrested. Based on the goodwill they showed, and respecting the feelings of brotherhood and Islam between the two countries, and respecting the Indonesian anti-occupation role, we decided to release the two journalists without any conditions or ransom."

Had the two been found guilty of 'collaborating with the Zionist-Crusader forces' they would have been killed. Instead they recieved the consolation prize of not being beheaded and an array of valuable gifts. Included in the gift basket were a copy of the Quran, prayer beads, a skull cap, a pen, and a lovely scarf.

Apparently, their sympathy with the terrorists saved their lives. Those worried about Giuliana Sgrena might be somewhat relieved to hear that.

Posted by: Rusty at 09:40 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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