Piotr Stanczak

Piotr Stanczak was a geologist from Poland who is believed to have been kidnapped by the Taliban in September 2008 while working in the Attock region of Pakistan. On February 8, 2009, a video tape of Stanczak's beheading was sent to the Associated Press.London Times: Poland promises to punish Taleban executioners (February 9, 2009)

The Taliban asked the Polish government for a ransom for Stanczak, and also asked for the release of between 26 and 60 Islamic militant prisoners held by Poland. One of the imprisoned militants is said to be one who killed Daniel Pearl. Poland offered to free only four.Intll Herald Tribune: Poles horrified by apparent killing of countryman (February 9, 2009) Australian: Poland vows to hunt Pakistan killers (February 10, 2009)

The video tape, apparently recorded February 6, 2009, shows Stanczak appealing to the Polish government to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. He urged Poland to cut ties with Pakistan; and then masked men cut off his head. The videotape has not been released to the public.Guardian: Polish man beheaded in Pakistani militant video (February 9, 2009) The group is now holding Stanczak's body for ransom, and say they will not return it unless the 60 captured militants are released.Reuters: Pakistani Taliban release tape of Pole's murder (February 8, 2009)

It was the first killing of a western hostage in Pakistan since Daniel Pearl's beheading in 2002.Intll Herald Tribune: Poles horrified by apparent killing of countryman (February 9, 2009)

"The cassette of the execution, this bestial execution, is authentic and unfortunately it confirms the worst. ... After consultation with the Justice Minister, we are issuing arrest warrants to arrest the men suspected of having committed this crime."—Polish minister Radoslaw SikorskiLondon Times: Poland promises to punish Taleban executioners (February 9, 2009)