NEWS: Alan Johnston Released

Greg · 4 Jul 2007 at 06:44

BBC's Gaza correspondent released

Mr Johnston said his time in captivity was the worst of his life

Johnston interview
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.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6267928.stm

Thank God he's been released.

Jono · 4 Jul 2007 at 06:57

tim_enchanter · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:01

About time, doesn't he look really well considering he has been held for 4 months

melbourne720 · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:02

Nice one - he seems pretty pleased to be out, and the BBC have a pretty big headline on their website (funnily enough).

I wonder if he'll go back there?

Hellsmk2 · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:10

I honestly thought he wouldn't be released alive. I'm glad he has been.

oxist258 · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:15

Again, really didn't hold out much hope but so glad that all has worked out well. All the best to he and his family with their lives.

Greg · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:17

melbourne720 said:
Nice one - he seems pretty pleased to be out, and the BBC have a pretty big headline on their website (funnily enough).

I wonder if he'll go back there?

Just watched on Sky news saying that after 2 years in Gaza and a 4 month Kidnapping, he won't be going back for a while yet!

Glad he's still got a sence of humour considering!

Nismo · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:24

Great news

lay-z-boy · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:27

Great, now for Madeline....

wedgie · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:31

Teletraan-82 said:
Great news

dirtydog · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:35

Greg said:
Thank god he's been released.

I doubt any imaginary being had anything to do with it

Good news for Johnston.

dannyjo22 · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:43

Good news, Rp2000 will now shut up

Seriously though, thats good news that I never thought would happen.

Jaffa_Cake · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:52

Well I honostly didn't expect that.

Feeling genuine relief.

NathanE · 4 Jul 2007 at 07:58

I look forward to reading his book...

G-MAN2004 · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:01

Great news. I had doubts he would make it out alive.

dannyjo22 · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:04

NathanE said:
I look forward to reading his book...

Yeah that will be some read. Whatever he makes from it he deserves ten fold. I'm surprised it hasn't screwed his head beyond repair. I think I wouldve died in my own brown stuff.

Bar · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:09

Interesting to see what the political ramifications will be in the longer term for Hamas though.

They have managed to acheive what no one else was able to.

molinari · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:20

Great news that he's been released

.
I enjoyed the publicity/propaganda footage of him eating at a table with Hamas.

KaHn · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:37

Im wordering if he will be screened for any side effects, stockholm syndrome?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome

It's great news he's been released but how long does it take to brainwash people these days?

KaHn

div0 · 4 Jul 2007 at 08:45

definately good news, especially after such a long time!