The Italian aid worker kidnapped in Afghan capital Kabul has been killed, the kidnapper said on Friday.

One of the kidnappers Timoor Shah said the Italian woman had been strangled to death after Afghan government refused their demands.

But Afghan government spokesperson denied the information, and said the lady was still alive.

The 32-year-old Italian woman Clementina Cantoni, who has been working in Afghanistan for more than three years, has been kidnapped by four gunmen on Monday night.

The abductors of the lady, claimed to be affiliated with an Islamic group, have set conditions to Afghan government for her release the other day, including banning liquor, improving religious schools and banning vulgar programs on radios and televisions.

The kidnappers also claimed Wednesday night as the deadline for releasing the woman.

As an aid worker in CARE International, Clementina has helped many Afghan widows and children by providing them food and working opportunities.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2005)