August 2, 2007
Source: The Washington Times
Muslim advocacy groups in the United States are condemning the recent kidnapping of 23 South Koreans in Afghanistan and are demanding their release.
The Christian missionaries have been held since July 19 by the Taliban, which is seeking the release of Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government.
The Taliban killed two of the hostages, including group leader Shim Sung-min, 29, after saying that its demands had not been met.
A spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations yesterday said the group "condemns the taking of the Korean hostages and demands that the kidnappers release them immediately and unconditionally."