LONDON: A British judge has rejected requests to release video showing the alleged execution of an Afghan by UK soldiers, saying there was a real risk the footage could be used for terrorist propaganda and put British military personnel at risk.

The footage, recorded by a helmet-mounted camera and allegedly showing a soldier shooting an injured Afghan insurgent in the chest, was shown at a court martial last week for Royal Marines charged with the Afghan's murder.

Several media organisations, including Guardian News and Media and Times Newspapers, had applied for the footage to be released.

The Ministry of Defense objected.

In a written ruling Monday, Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett said he erred ''on the side of safety'' in rejecting the application.