An Iraqi armed group has abducted an Iraqi male journalist who holds German passport to press for release of Muslim prisoners in Germany, Qatar-based al-Jazeera satellite channel reported on Thursday.

"Iraqi militants, holding a man they say has a German passport, have called on Germany to release Muslims imprisoned in its jails," said the TV channel, showing parts of the videotape.

The kidnappers, calling their group "Protectors of Islam Brigades", asked the German government to release Muslim detainees held behind bars in Germany, added the channel.

In the videotape, the hostage named Abdel-Hussein al-Zeidi was sitting between two masked men. He urged the German government, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, German journalists and peace-loving forces in Iraq to intervene for his immediate release.

Abductions have become frequent occurrence in Iraq. Many kidnappers have claimed they have to take actions to fight against US-led invasion of Iraq.

It was reported that more than 130 foreigners have been abducted in Iraq over the past 18 months. About a third of them have been killed though most others have been freed after negotiations or the payment of a ransom.