Yasser Arafat\'s Tanzim kidnapped the cameraman who filmed a report for AP showing Palestinians in Ramallah celebrating the attacks against the United States. The report includes footage of Palestinian police firing their assault rifles in the air in celebration as hundreds cheer. The cameraman was released this morning, but not before the Associated Press protested to the Palestinian Authority about threats against the cameraman in the event the footage was screened. Ahmed Abdel Rahman, Arafat\'s Cabinet secretary, said the Palestinian Authority \"cannot guarantee the life\" of the cameraman if the footage is broadcast.
Dr. Aaron Lerner asked AP Bureau Chief Dan Perry today whether his office would release the video of joyous Palestinians celebrating the attack on the World Trade Center. Perry answered, \"We are acting to assure the safety of our staff. The safety of our staff is paramount. At this point we believe there to be a serious threat to our staff if the video is released and we have protested this to the PA.\"
Dr. Aaron Lerner asked AP Bureau Chief Dan Perry today whether his office would release the video of joyous Palestinians celebrating the attack on the World Trade Center. Perry answered, \"We are acting to assure the safety of our staff. The safety of our staff is paramount. At this point we believe there to be a serious threat to our staff if the video is released and we have protested this to the PA.\"