[JURIST] A video obtained in Iraq appears to show that Margaret Hassan, an aid worker of dual British and Iraqi nationality taken hostage last month, has been murdered, her family and the British government said Tuesday. Hassan, who was director of CARE International's Iraq operations, was kidnapped Oct. 19 while on her way to work. Several videotapes were released in which her captors threatened to kill her if the UK did not withdrawal its troops from the counrty. Hassan was later shown on video making an appeal for the release of all female prisoners in Iraq. It is still unknown what group was responsible for her kidnapping and murder. Read CARE International's statement on Hassan's apparent death. Hassan's family released a statement after viewing the video:

Margaret was a friend of the Arab world, to people of all religions. Her love of the Arab people started in the 1960s when she worked in Palestinian camps, living with the poorest of the poor and supporting the refugees. For the past thirty years, Margaret worked tirelessly for the Iraqi people. Margaret had only goodwill towards everyone. She had no prejudice against any creed. She dedicated her whole life to working for the poor and vulnerable, helping those who had no-one else. Those who are guilty of this atrocious act, and those who support them, have no excuses. Nobody can justify this. Margaret was against sanctions and the war. To commit such a crime against anyone is unforgivable. But we cannot believe how anybody could do this to our kind, compassionate sister. The gap she leaves will never be filled.

Read the full statement. BBC News has a timeline of events surrounding Hassan's murder. Reuters has more.