Ref: 22/2007

Date: 03 April 2007

Time: 09:30 GMT

PCHR Renews the Call to Intensify Efforts to Release Alan Johnston

PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to intensify its efforts to end the ordeal of Alan Johnston, the BBC correspondent abducted in Gaza by gunmen 23 days ago. The Centre expresses complete solidarity with Johnston, and with Palestinian journalists who have been conducting a series of protest actions in Gaza and Ramallah since yesterday to release Johnston.

It is noted that Johnston was abducted by unknown gunmen in Gaza on 12 March 2007, and remains missing since then. The identity of the kidnappers and their motives are not clear. However, it is noted that Johnston has been living in Gaza for nearly three years. He is known for his professionalism, independence, and objectivity in covering events. As a result, he is greatly respected by all who meet him and deal with him.

Civil society institution and all Palestinian political parties have condemned Johnston’s abduction, and called for his immediate release. PCHR also condemns this crime and considers it an attack on freedom of expression, an assault on Johnston, and a defamation of the just struggle of the Palestinian people.

The Centre in cooperation with scores of civil society organizations have conducted a series of solidarity actions to support Johnston, and make civil society’s objection and condemnation of the crime heard. In addition, these actions aimed to protest and condemn the continued targeting of internationals, and to call for an end to security chaos. On 22 March, the National Society for Democracy and Law and PCHR organized a rally in Rafah. Dozens of civil society activists, journalists, and parliamentarians participated in the rally. And three days later on 25 March, PCHR in coordination with civil society organizations and journalists organized a rally in Khan Yunis. And on 27 March 2007, PCHR and nearly 50 civil society organizations from the southern Gaza Strip demonstrated in the protest tent in the Unknown Soldier Park in Gaza City. These events expressed solidarity with Johnston, condemnation of security chaos and attacks on internationals, as well as calls for the immediate release of Alan . Johnston

Journalists organized a series of activities in solidarity with Alan Johnston. On Monday, 2 April 2007, journalists in the OPT started a 3-day strike during which they will not cover news of the PNA. In addition, they organized a demonstration at 11:00 on Monday. The demonstrators marched from the center of Gaza City to the Government Office. A similar demonstration was organized in Ramallah and headed to the President’s office.

PCHR expresses complete support for the actions taken by journalists, and for all efforts exerted to lobby for Johnston’s safe release, and:

·        Renews the call to the PNA to take quick and effective steps to release Johnston;

·        Expresses disapproval of the PNA’s negligence in pursuing the perpetrators;

·        Points that this crime comes in the context of the deteriorated security situation in the OPT in general and the Gaza Strip in particular;

·        Affirms that the continued failure to pursue the perpetrators of such attacks encourages additional crimes;

·        Calls upon civil society to organize stronger protest action, and to continue to lobby the PNA to take serious steps to ensure Johnston’s release.