The BBC reports that reporter Alan Johnston, kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March 2007, has finally been released!
Alan says that he was not tortured, though he was “roughed up a bit” before release. I would describe his ordeal as torture, though, particularly when they strapped explosives to him and forced him to record a video statement.
I’m not going to offer any praise to Hamas, since they have not denounced violence or recognized Israel, but at least they had the sense to recognize that kidnapping a journalist could not possibly advance their cause, and worked to secure his safe release.
Congratulations to Mr. Johnston on winning the Amnesty International media award for radio journalism.
Alan Johnston freed!
The BBC reports that reporter Alan Johnston, kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March 2007, has finally been released!
Alan says that he was not tortured, though he was “roughed up a bit” before release. I would describe his ordeal as torture, though, particularly when they strapped explosives to him and forced him to record a video statement.
I’m not going to offer any praise to Hamas, since they have not denounced violence or recognized Israel, but at least they had the sense to recognize that kidnapping a journalist could not possibly advance their cause, and worked to secure his safe release.
Congratulations to Mr. Johnston on winning the Amnesty International media award for radio journalism.