A new video of a British engineer held captive by militants in Iraq has raised hopes that he is still alive and that his kidnappers may release him.
The Arab television station, al-Jazeera, today broadcast the videotape showing hostage Kenneth Bigley huddled in a cage and dressed in an orange jumpsuit. He appealed for the British government to help save his life.
Mr. Bigley's younger brother, Paul, later said the video was heart-wrenching, but that he was happy to see his brother alive on the video. British Foreign Minister Jack Straw said he felt great relief at seeing Mr. Bigley, and added that the government is doing all it can to secure his release.
A statement posted late Tuesday on an Arabic-language website said the British hostage would be freed soon, but its report could not be verified.