BRITAIN/INTERNATIONAL: Hostage talks of ordeal.

CHRISTIAN peace activist Norman Kember has spoken of his experiences in captivity for the first time.

In a brief telephone call to staff at The Baptist Times newspaper, he said his captors allowed the group to watch a Christian DVD.

He said: "One night our captors took us downstairs, sat us in front of the TV, and showed us the life of Jesus on DVD in Arabic."

Mr Kember, 74, of Pinner, north west London, was one of three surviving hostages freed from kidnappers in Baghdad last week after 118 days in captivity. He also underlined his praise for those who rescued him, after being criticised in some quarters for an alleged lack of gratitude. He said: "I'm very grateful to them for rescuing me. And our diplomatic service was super. I am full of praise for them."

In the article, Mr Kember also thanked the Muslim community for their support during his ordeal.

Mark Woods, editor of The Baptist Times, said: "The Baptist Times has supported Mr Kember throughout the time of his imprisonment and run various stories about it.

"Since his return he has telephoned various people wanting to thank them for what they have done for him."

Mr Kember was freed on March 23.

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Norman Kember