BBC studies Gaza kidnap tape

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The al-Jazeera TV news channel has received a tape which appears to come from the kidnappers of the BBC's Gaza correspondent who has been missing for more than eight weeks.

The tape includes demands for Muslim prisoners to be freed, including Muslim preacher Abu Qatada who is currently subject to a deportation order sending him back to his native Jordan. It also shows pictures, including one apparently of Mr Johnston's BBC identity card.

It was delivered to al-Jazeera in Gaza and was made by a group calling itself Jaish-e-al-Islam (The Army of Islam).

The BBC said it is investigating the contents of the tape but would not comment further at this stage.

The 44-year-old journalist was seized at gunpoint on his way home in Gaza City on March 12.

If the tape is genuine, it will be the first time Mr Johnston's kidnappers have made their demands public or had any contact with the media.

Last month, the previously unheard of Tawhid and Jihad brigades claimed it had executed Mr Johnston but that claim could not be verified.

The Palestinian government has said it is working for Mr Johnston's release and has received information that he is still alive.

Those who have appealed for Mr Johnston to be freed have included Prime Minister Tony Blair, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour.