Al-Qaeda ‘kills British hostage’

British prime minister condemns killing in Mali as an “appalling and barbaric act”.

Gordon Brown
Brown said those behind the execution willbe pursued and punished   [EPA]

“I want those who would use terror against British citizens to know … we will pursue them relentlessly”

Gordon Brown, British prime minister

“I want those who would use terror against British citizens to know beyond doubt that we and our allies will pursue them relentlessly, and that they will meet the justice they deserve.”

Abu Qatada has been held in Britain since 2005 and is awaiting extradition to Jordan, where he was convicted of terrorism offences and faces life in jail.

Last month, the Algerian media reported that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was demanding $14.21m in exchange for the Briton and another hostage, a Swiss national, being held in Mali.

Source: News Agencies