Family of Warren Weinstein urges al Qaeda to free him

Published January 2, 2014
–Warren Weinstein in a 2009 file photo (L) and a video grab (R)
–Warren Weinstein in a 2009 file photo (L) and a video grab (R)

HAGERSTOWN: Family members of US development expert Warren Weinstein, kidnapped in Pakistan by al Qaeda more than two years ago, say a recently released video and letter haven't convinced them he's alive.

His family released a statement Thursday asking for “date-specific” confirmation that Weinstein is alive and well.

Weinstein appeared in a video sent last week to reporters in Pakistan, appealing to US President Barack Obama to negotiate his release.

It was the first video of Weinstein since September 2012. There was no indication of when it was made. The handwritten note was dated Oct. 3.

The family members say they're concerned about Weinstein's health. His employer, J.E. Austin Associates, has said Weinstein needs medication used to treat heart problems.

The family asked Weinstein’s captors to release him immediately.

Opinion

Editorial

Anti-women state
Updated 25 Nov, 2024

Anti-women state

GLOBALLY, women are tormented by the worst tools of exploitation: rape, sexual abuse, GBV, IPV, and more are among...
IT sector concerns
25 Nov, 2024

IT sector concerns

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ambitious plan to increase Pakistan’s IT exports from $3.2bn to $25bn in the ...
Israel’s war crimes
25 Nov, 2024

Israel’s war crimes

WHILE some powerful states are shielding Israel from censure, the court of global opinion is quite clear: there is...
Short-changed?
Updated 24 Nov, 2024

Short-changed?

As nations continue to argue, the international community must recognise that climate finance is not merely about numbers.
Overblown ‘threat’
24 Nov, 2024

Overblown ‘threat’

ON the eve of the PTI’s ‘do or die’ protest in the federal capital, there seemed to be little evidence of the...
Exclusive politics
24 Nov, 2024

Exclusive politics

THERE has been a gradual erasure of the voices of most marginalised groups from Pakistan’s mainstream political...