Alan Johnston Free
- July 4th, 2007
- Posted by EUEditor
Alan Johnston, the BBC journalist kidnapped in Gaza, has been freed (4.7.07) after 114 days of captivity.
He was escorted to Israel in the company of British displomats, and talked to colleagues about his ordeal, which included “grim and threatening” treatment.
He had been given some respite, being able to hear messages of support on the radio, which provided a “psychological boost”.
A little-known Islamic insurgent group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
JOURNALISTS EXPOSED TO DANGER
The kidnapping drew attention to the vulnerability of journalists covering turmoil around the globe.
A total of 155 journalists and other media workers were killed last year in incidents directly related to dangerous work, with a further 22 killed in accidents while on the job in such situations.
The figures are contained in an annual report from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
Reference: IFJ, Journalists Put to the Sword in 2006: The IFJ Report on Journalists and Media Staff Killed, 2007, Brussels; http:www.ifj.org/ (4.7.07)