Johnston Executed?

A previously unknown group linked to Al-Qaida claims it executed Alan Johnston. The Jerusalem Post reports that PA officials are checking into the claim, but doubt the credibility. Developing….

UPDATE April 16: Haaretz writes that the PA discredited the claims “as an attempt to put pressure on the PA,” adding:

Nonetheless, Palestinian journalists on Sunday expressed concern that Sunday’s email announcement indicates Johnston may have been hurt during the abduction, and that now the kidnappers are looking for grounds for his murder.