CNN is reporting that a private Kuwaiti TV station — Al Rai — has a new — third — tape of Jill! I haven’t seen it yet but I understand she is wearing different clothing than before and that she says she is doing okay but she pleads that her abductors’ demands be met, saying:
"I sent you a letter written by my hand but you wanted more evidence so we’re sending you this new letter now just to prove that I am with the mujahedeen," Carroll says in English on the tape, aired on Al Rai television.
"I’m here. I’m fine. Please, just do whatever they want, give them whatever they want as quickly as possible. There is very short time; please do it fast," she says. "That’s all." On the tape, Carroll begins by saying, "Today is Thursday, Feb. 6," then shakes her head slightly and corrects herself, "Feb. 2, 2006."
Source: [CNN]
UPDATE: CNN now has an update on their site and MSNBC has a short piece from the Associated Press that will likely update if there is anything new to report. Jill appears more composed in this video. This tape also includes a listenable audio portion. It is worth noting that the previous tapes also included audio — they were not silent as some reported. Aljazeera kept tight editorial control over the content, allowing their anchors to summarize the information, rather than give a platform to her captors. Perhaps this new tape is running on Al Rai so those controls are not in place.
UPDATE 2: Immediately following the release of the tape, Christian Science Monitor Editor Richard Bergenheim issued the following statement:
"It is always difficult to see someone speaking under coercion and under these circumstances. We are seeking more information about the letter that Jill refers to in the video. We remain in constant contact with Jill’s family and are still doing everything possible to obtain Jill’s release."
Jill’s family has also released a statement:
"The family is hopeful and grateful to all those working on Jill’s behalf."
UPDATE 3: Reporters without Borders has again asked for Jill’s release as soon as possible, stressing the fact that as a journalist she is but a neutral observer to the conflict.
We remind Carroll’s kidnappers that she is a journalist who has just done her job, which is to describe the conditions in which Iraqis are living. She is not responsible for the US government’s decisions.
At least these disturbing images give us some proof that she is still alive, which is truly encouraging. However, that falls short of calming our concern and anguish over Jill Carroll’s fate. The time has come to renew our mobilization effort. We urge members of the media around the globe — particularly those in the Arab world — as well as Muslim dignitaries, to continue to intervene on her behalf.
erybriply <a href="http://iewqgug.007webs.com/index.html">apporskalomom</a>
As crazy as this might sound, I just want to say that if those who are holding Jill Carroll captive just need a victim, I’d be glad to trade places with her… if there are any “authorities” who read this message, and feel there is any chance whatsoever that a trade might work, I am very serious in my offer, and can leave immediately.
DO
Looks like theyre moving places… (I know Im not qualified but I cant get the thought out of my mind…, the different clothes , the differnet blanket in the background ) , I hope its a matter of days… it has to be… our prayers are with all her loved ones. May she return safely.
New Tape From Jill Carroll
Another videotape from Jill Carroll has surfaced:
From Al Jazeera…
My best wishes for a happy resolution to this situation.
If you can find time, would you consider updating the UMass wiki page on Jill Carroll, since you probably know a great deal more about her and the situation than I do?
http://www.umasswiki.com/wiki/Jill_Carroll
Holding this innocent lady against her free will is no big deal; showing her hair is a big sin; heck with such a rotten, stinky corrupted and evil principle and those who support it.
She looks better than she did in the last tape; prayers that the animals holding her come to their senses …
Jill Carroll: new tape released; blogger pals maintain vigil
Freelance journalist Jill Carroll today appeared in a video taped by her abductors, aired on a Kuwaiti television network. In the video, Carroll said the date was Feb. 2. “I am here. I am fine. Please just do whatever they want, give them whatever they…
Each time I light a new candle for her, she appears on TV. I’ll keep these candles burning.
If you ask me, it’s very weird but I’m happy with the result.