The brother of British hostage Kenneth Bigley has accused the US of sabotaging his brother's release by refusing to release a detained scientist as demanded by the Iraqi kidnappers. The Tawhid and Jihad Group (BBC profile) have threatened to kill Bigley unless the US and UK release all Muslim women held in Iraqi jails.

The US has acknowledged holding two female weapons scientists - Rihab Rashid Taha, nicknamed "Dr. Germ," and Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash - but has said that it will not give in to the kidnappers, despite suggestions from the Iraq Justice Ministry early yesterday (see this previous report on JURIST's Paper Chase) that they should be released. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has taken a similar stance, despite a personal plea from Bigley yesterday (read the text of the plea), JURIST's Paper Chase has background and BBC News has more.