A German news report shows video footage of hostage Rudolf Blechschmidt, coughing and grasping his chest as he speaks:

"I am a prisoner of the Taliban here in Afghanistan," said the man, who identified himself as Rudolf Blechschmidt.

"I ask my friends, my family, my two sons to put more pressure on the German authorities in order to get us free."

"I am in very bad shape," he said. "My medication for my heart issue will run out in three days."

Blechschmidt was abducted in Afghanistan July 18 along with fellow engineer Ruediger Diedrich and 6 Afghan colleagues. Diedrich was shot to death a few days later after collapsing on a forced march through the mountains of Wardak province. One of the Afghans was released along with Diedrich's body; the other 5 are still being held by the Taliban.

One of the five Afghan hostages also sent a message to President Hamid Karzai, begging for help: (via Reuters):

"In the name of God, we are five Afghans and two Germans, abducted by Taliban, among us one of the Germans had a heart attack and has died, and the second German has diabetes, he has heart problems, he is sick," one of the Afghan hostages said.

"We Afghans demand the Karzai administration's help to release us because of our children," he said, standing with a group of men in front of a rocky outcrop.

"We are Afghans. The Taliban are also Afghans, we are sure there is possibility the Karzai government can release us."

Continued prayers for the health and safety of these hostages, and the strength to endure until they can be rescued.

Posted by: noburqa at 07:23 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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