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Al-Qaeda Group Offers U.K. Swap For Jordanian Cleric

April 30, 2012

Al-Qaeda's branch in North Africa has offered to free a kidnapped British citizen in exchange for the release of radical Jordanian cleric Abu Qatada, according to a statement posted on an Islamist website.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said it would release Stephen Malcolm, who also has South African citizenship, if Britain released Qatada "to one of the 'Arab Spring' countries."

The statement warned Britain not to return Qatada to Jordan.

London is seeking to deport Qatada to Jordan, but his case is being reviewed by the European Court of Human Rights.

Malcolm is believed to be one of nine Europeans seized in Mali and Niger since September 2010.

Other kidnap victims are believed to be French, Swedish, and Dutch citizens.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/al-qaeda_offers_uk_swap_for_jordanian_cleric/24564488.html

Copyright (c) 2012. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.