News & Politics - BBC journalist begins fourth week of Gaza captivity

Lexis · 04-02-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Palestinian journalists protested on Monday against the abduction of BBC journalist Alan Johnston in Gaza as the veteran reporter began a fourth week in captivity, the longest a foreigner has been held in the lawless territory.
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Around 300 journalists, their mouths tied, held a demonstration in central Gaza City in solidarity with the seasonsed reporter who was forced at gunpoint from his car as he drove home from work in Gaza City on March 12.

Carrying signs calling for Johnston's liberation, the protestors marched to the government compound in the city. Several hundred journalists held a similar protest in front of president Mahmud Abbas's office in Ramallah in the
West Bank.

On Sunday, Palestinian journalists announced a three-day strike to protest what they called their government's inadequate response to Johnston's abduction -- the latest in a string of kidnappings of foreigners over the past year.

It marked the third time that Palestinian journalists had stopped work in solidarity with the 44-year-old since his ordeal began.

"Our colleague Alan Johnston's kidnap is entering its fourth week," Palestinian Journalists' Union president Naim Tubasi told AFP. "This makes us think there is a danger to his life and we are very worried."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and the Islamist movement Hamas, the majority party in the new unity government, have both condemned the abduction and pledged to work for Johnston's release.

But Tubasi on Sunday called the government's response inadequate.

"We hold the
Palestinian Authority and the government responsible because up until now they have not made sufficient efforts," he said.

"What they are waiting for? Where are the security services? Where are the authorities? Where is the Palestinian police?"

BBC journalist begins fourth week of Gaza captivity - Yahoo! News

Some of the journalists surrounded the Prime Minister's motorcade and demanded he do more. Its so sad because all its doing is damaging Gaza and the Palestinians - journalists will be forced to pull back, diplomats will get more reluctant to go...

**sunnykerr** · 04-02-2007, 07:28 PM

On the other hand, look at the encouraging response from the Palestinian media.

Not that there's an upside to any man being deprived of his human rights in such a way.

But the press over there could have chosen to "side" with its government, such as it is, or it could have been bullied into staying silent.

There is hope.

welshgirlyUK · 04-06-2007, 10:09 AM

I'm glad people in Palestine are protesting and doing something about this because its recieving inadequate coverage here, i wasn't even aware of it until a couple of days ago. I understand it would have been overshadowed by the sailors and marines the past couple of weeks but this has gone on longer. Why does it appear that so little is going on at this end?

Lexis · 04-06-2007, 11:59 AM

The BBC is my main news source throughout the day and I know they hae done a fair bit on this story - naturally, considering he is one of their own. I didn't notice too much from the other broadcasters officially but I know a lot of them signed the petition on Monday.

As for official channels, I understand Beckett has being pressure on the PA but clearly, its not really working.

welshgirlyUK · 04-06-2007, 02:23 PM

Yeah i tend to watch ITV news, but i dont watch it every day so i cant claim to be a source of knowledge about it.

Are they actually making demands in exchange for him? Whats the story behind it all

Lexis · 04-07-2007, 01:14 AM

Apparently no demands were made. He was just taken from his car and that's the last firm information.

I did read that there was a possibility he'd been kidnapped by a prominant crime family who were constantly shifting their loyalties between Hamas and Fatah - maybe that has something to do with it.

Lexis · 06-01-2007, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Kidnapped British reporter Alan Johnston appeared Friday in a videotape posted on an Islamic militant Web site, saying his captors had treated him well, denouncing
Israel and blasting British and U.S. Mideast policy.
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It was the first sign of life from him since he was abducted almost three months ago.

There was no way to tell when the video was recorded, and it was not clear why his captors chose this time to post it. The British Broadcasting Corp. journalist, who has been covering the Palestinian territories for three years, has a reputation for objectivity, and it seemed likely he was reciting what he was told to say.

Video of kidnapped UK reporter surfaces - Yahoo! News

Here's hoping this is a good sign.

**sunnykerr** · 06-01-2007, 12:39 PM

It always seems so hideous when reporters, who presumably would be a source of exposure for any side of such conflicts, are abused in such a manner. Obviously, there's no understanding the rationale for kidnapping under these circumstances, but you still have to wonder what they hope to accomplish. A potential source of sympathy for them is turned against them through their own actions.

I keep Mr. Johnston and his loved ones in my prayers.

Lexis · 06-19-2007, 02:07 PM

Tomorrow will mark 100 days since Alan Johnston was abducted in Gaza. In the last few days Hamas hae come out demanding his release but as yet nothing.

You can post a message of support for him and his family at BBC NEWS | Have Your Say | Alan Johnston: Your messages, and also sign a petition demanding his release.

If you run a blog or other website, you can also find details about how to add a button to it in support of Alan here BBC NEWS | The Editors .

My heart goes out to him and his family. If any of you are religious, please think of sparing a prayer for him tonight and tomorrow.

Alan is one of more than 200 BBC correspondents - an extraordinary group of people who remain in the world's trouble spots just as everyone else is getting out.

For 75 years they have been eyewitnesses to history.

elisheva · 06-19-2007, 05:28 PM

I wonder if this will have any effect on the BBC's reporting about Israel...

Lexis · 06-20-2007, 05:11 AM

I don't see why or how it would change reporting about Israel. From all appearances, this is a group so extreme Hamas are rejecting their strategy, not a major player in the peace process.

Lexis · 07-04-2007, 05:51 AM

He's free! Hamas apparently played hardball yesterday and surrounded a compound linked to the kidnappers. He's as well as can be expected and will hopefully be home soon!

I'm so happy about this - nice news to wake up too.

**sunnykerr** · 07-04-2007, 06:03 AM

I was coming to say the same thing! I heard about it on the news this morning! It's just wonderful news. About time, too!

silver lining · 07-04-2007, 07:12 AM

I'm so happy he's been released! Wonderful news, I'm so glad he's free.

Lexis · 07-04-2007, 07:18 AM

He spoke on the BBC about an hour ago, thanking people for their support, saying the kidnappers let him listen to the radio and that he felt that people were remembering him and trying to get him released. It was really emotional but he managed to crack a few jokes ("I managed to get to the barbers this morning to get rid of that just be kidnapped look.").

Well, good on Hamas. They managed to get him free which is more than Fatah were able to do.


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