EU repeats call for release of BBC reporter abducted in Gaza
Palestine-UK, Politics, 4/16/2007

Journalists and European Union officials held a one-hour vigil outside the European Commission today afternoon calling for the immediate release of BBC Correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted in Palestinian area of Gaza on 12 March.

Margot Wallstrom, EU Commissioner in charge of institutional relations and communication strategy, expressed her solidarity with Johnston and called for his immediate release.

Jonny Dymond, BBC Europe correspondent, said the aim of the gathering is to make sure that there is no chance he is forgotten.

"There is also a sense of shock with every week that he is still away and we want to be sure that this is noted," he said.

Journalists and reporters held Johnston's photo during the vigil.

Yesterday the Tawhid and Jihad brigades, a previously unheard of group, said it had killed Johnston, linking his purported execution to the plight of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, BBC said it could not confirm the claims, describing the story as a rumor without verification.

Leila Shahid, envoy of Palestine to the EU, said all efforts are being undertaken by the Palestinian president, prime minister and home affairs minister to obtain Johnston's liberation.

"In the Palestinian territories there is a very important movement of solidarity... and this is a way of pressure on the gang that kidnapped him and that should liberate him as soon as possible," she said.

The International Press Institute, (IPI), expressed its grave concern for Johnston.

IPI said today that Johnston has been the BBC correspondent in Gaza for three years and he was seized by masked gunmen while on his way home from his office in Gaza City on the evening of 12 March.

IPI Director, Johann P. Fritz, said: "In recent years, a number of foreign journalists have been abducted from within the Palestinian Authority by militant groups who seek to use these journalists as bargaining chips to publicize their grievances and demands. This disturbing practice has led to heightened safety concerns for media working in the region."

"In most cases, these journalists have been released unharmed, often on the same day of their abduction. Johnston's lengthy period of captivity only increases our concern for his safety and well being," Fritz added.

IPI called for Johnston's immediate release and supports the intensive efforts that have been made by groups both within the Palestinian Authority and around the world to ensure that he is freed.

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