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< Esato Forum Index > General discussions > Non mobile discussion > BBCs' Alan Johnston has been released. Bookmark topic

BBC correspondent Alan Johnston has been released by kidnappers in Gaza after nearly four months in captivity.

He said it was "fantastic" to be free after an "appalling experience". TV footage showed Mr Johnston, 45, leaving a building accompanied by armed men.

He later appeared beside Hamas leader Ismail Haniya and thanked everyone who had worked for his release.

Rallies worldwide had called for Mr Johnston's release. An online petition was signed by some 200,000 people.

The BBC reporter was handed over to officials of the Hamas administration in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Hamas' military wing had said it would actively work towards securing Mr Johnston's release, warning his kidnappers it was prepared to use force.

Gunmen from the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement overran Gaza last month, expelling their rivals from the Fatah faction.

Fatah's defeat in Gaza prompted its leader, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, to sack Mr Haniya as prime minister.

Security push

Mr Johnston was abducted on 12 March by the Army of Islam, a shadowy militant group dominated by Gaza's powerful Dugmush clan.


The group released three videos, two of which featured footage of the kidnapped correspondent.

It said it would kill its captive if its demands for the release of Muslim prisoners in British custody were not met.

A senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Zahar, said no deal was done with the kidnappers to secure Mr Johnston's release.

He added that Hamas did not work towards the release "to receive favours from the British government".

"We did this because of humanitarian concern, and to achieve a government aim to extend security to all without fear."

A Hamas leader living in exile in Syria, Khaled Meshaal, told the Reuters news agency Mr Johnston's release revealed the failings of the preceding Fatah administration.

"It showed the difference between the era in which a group used to encourage and commit security anarchy... and the current situation in which Hamas is seeking to stabilise security," Mr Meshaal was quoted as saying.

'Dreamt of freedom'

Appearing at a press conference alongside Hamas leader Haniya, Mr Johnston thanked everyone who had worked towards his release.

Alan Johnston after his release
Hamas officials have claimed credit for Mr Johnston's release

"The last 16 weeks have been the very worst of my life," he said. "I was in the hands of people who were dangerous and unpredictable."

"I literally dreamt many times of being free and always woke up back in that room."

Mr Johnston said he was not tortured during captivity but he did fall ill from the food he was served.

He said Hamas' seizure of power in Gaza and its subsequent pledge to improve security in the territory had facilitated his release.

"The kidnappers seemed very comfortable and very secure in their operation until... a few weeks ago, when Hamas took charge of the security operation here," he said.

The journalist said he was moved twice during his spell in captivity.

source
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Posted: 2007-07-04 07:58:23
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The first thing my missus said when she saw him being released on TV.... "They didn't cut his hair..."
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Posted: 2007-07-04 08:16:20
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Great news! I didn't know until I seen this thread. Thanks Reggy.


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Posted: 2007-07-04 09:59:16
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Nice to know that he's finally been released!

To be honest i didn't think he would make it out alive.

Must be a great relief for his family!



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Posted: 2007-07-04 10:00:35
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i don't know what's wrong with religious ppl
all hate and killing is related to some religion, if it's islam or catholic
just stop believing ... no war
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Posted: 2007-07-04 10:59:59
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I think his kidnap was more of a political move than a religious one. But his free now, and i expect a book pretty soon too!
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Posted: 2007-07-04 14:18:04
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This was the first thing I heard on the radio this morning at 6.00. He seems in remarkably high spirits. I bet his family are really relieved!
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Posted: 2007-07-04 14:37:33
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Here's a quote from Johnston himself:

"I was in Gaza for three years, and I know very well what Palestinian culture is, and the extraordinary warmth and hospitality - especially of Gaza.

I knew that the handful of people that kidnapped me were a complete aberration - something completely other."

peace indeed
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Posted: 2007-07-04 14:56:16
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LOL exactly the kind of thing my missus would say.

well i wish him all the best while he recovers with he family and loved ones. he's such a legend he'll be back at work in a few months, i bet!
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Posted: 2007-07-04 15:05:26
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