Islamist group holding BBC reporter - Web tape

DUBAI, May 9 (Reuters) A little-known Islamist group said it was holding the BBC's Middle East correspondent Alan Johnston who disappeared eight weeks ago, according to an audio recording posted on the Internet today.

''We demand that Britain free our prisoners, particularly the honourable Sheikh Abu Qatada al Filistini,'' said a speaker on the tape from the Jaysh al Islam (Army of Islam) group. The authenticity of the tape could not immediately be verified.

The recording was posted on an Islamist Web site often used by al Qaeda and other militant groups, and was accompanied by what appeared to be a picture of Johnston's BBC identification card.

Reuters AM DB1124