Warren Weinstein, who was kidnapped in 2011 in Lahore where he worked for a US consulting company, was last seen in a video recording released in December. In the latest message, al Qaeda said it had been demanding to exchange Weinstein for members of the group held by the United States for "no guilt except that they acted in defence of the Muslim ummah (nation)" - an apparent reference to inmates held at the US military base in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
"Your government wants Warren Weinstein to die in prison so that it may absolve itself of responsibility regarding his case," the message said. "Your government has not made any serious effort for the release of the prisoner."
Addressing the Weinstein family, it said the US government's failure to negotiate "will only lead to your prisoner dying a lonely death in prison". "Therefore, if you want Warren Weinstein to be released, do whatever you can to pressurise your government."
It was not immediately possible to verify the authenticity of the message which was posted on a website that has been used by radical Islamists for similar announcements in the past. In a 13-minute video clip posted on the Internet in December 2013, Weinstein looked gaunt and tired as he appealed to President Barack Obama to intervene to negotiate his freedom.
Pakistan's tribal areas on its border with Afghanistan serve as safe havens for al Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups.
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This is a prime example of al Qaeda’s cowardly behavior. One has to wonder how they justify kidnapping and then holding hostage a defenseless consulate member. Fact of the matter is, these criminals have taken hostage an entire religion, and are conducting cowardly acts under the façade of religious reasoning. On August 13, 2014, Ms. Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, stated “We remain concerned for the safety and well-being of Mr. Weinstein, continue to monitor the situation closely, and we continue to work actively with Pakistani authorities to try to secure his release. We remain in regular contact with his family in the United States, are providing all possible consular assistance – of course, strongly condemn kidnappings of any kind, call for the immediate release of the victim, and the prosecution of those responsible.”
Haroon Ahmad Digital Engagement Team - USCENTCOM