GAZA CITY, 2 June 2007 — Palestinian abductors released yesterday the first video of BBC reporter Alan Johnston since he was kidnapped 80 days ago, in which the journalist said he was in good health and was being well treated.
“First of all, my captors have treated me very well. They’ve fed me well, there’s been no violence toward me at all and I’m in good health,” said a pale Johnston, wearing a red sweatshirt and seated in front of a black backdrop. There was no indication as to when the relatively sophisticated Internet video was made, but Johnston at one point referred to “here in Gaza” and its release sparked a new flurry of international calls for his freedom.
Posted in the name of the Army of Islam, the shadowy group claiming to hold Johnston, the recording reiterated demands for the release of extremists — in particular Palestinian-born cleric Abu Qatada who is detained in Britain.
The prize-winning British journalist, who marked his 45th birthday in captivity, spoke of Palestinian suffering as well as the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, but a message to his family was cut.
“In three years here in the Palestinian territories, I witnessed the huge suffering of the Palestinian people and my message is that this suffering is continuing and it is unacceptable,” said Johnston.
He was the only Western journalist based permanently in Gaza City when he was abducted at gunpoint on March 12, and is by far the longest-held Westerner in the increasingly dangerous and impoverished territory.
Speaking from South Africa, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain was doing everything in its power to secure Johnston’s freedom. “We are doing everything possible that we can to secure his release...I hope we can secure his release for him and his family,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops shot dead two Palestinian youths in the northern Gaza Strip close to the border with Israel, Palestinian medical staff said yesterday.
Medical staff at a Gaza hospital said the two, aged 12 and 13, were hit in the chest. They were reported to be scouring the area for scrap metal. An Israeli spokeswoman said that a third 16-year-old youth, who was lightly wounded, was being treated at an Israeli hospital.
— With input from agencies
