Ref: 52/2007
Date: 04 July 2007
Time: 10:00 GMT
PCHR Welcomes the Release of Alan Johnston
PCHR is deeply relieved and glad with the end of the ordeal of Alan Johnston, BBC Gaza Correspondent, after 114 days of abduction by gunmen in Gaza City. PCHR welcomes the strenuous efforts exerted to secure Alan’s release. At the same time, the Centre calls for taking serious legal action against the kidnappers to bring them to justice.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, 4 July 2007, Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions (armed wing of Hamas) and the Executive Force succeeded in securing the release of Alan Johnston after considerable mediation and pressure on the kidnappers, to secure Alan’s safe release.
Johnston was abducted by unknown gunmen in Gaza City on 12 March 2007. It became clear later that a group calling itself “Army of Islam” was behind the kidnapping. On 24 June 2007, the group distributed a video showing Johnston strapped with what looked like an explosive belt. In the tape, Johnston stated that his abductors would detonate the belt if force was used to secure his release.
Palestinian civil society organizations and political parties condemned Johnston’s kidnapping, and called his abductors to release him immediately. For his part, PCHR repeatedly condemned this crime and considered it an attack on freedom of expression in addition to being an illegal attack on an individual. Furthermore, the Centre viewed the crime as a serious smear on the image of the Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom. The Centre led scores of civil society organizations in conducting many solidarity actions. These activities expressed condemnation of the crime, reiterated total rejection of kidnappings against internationals in Gaza, and called for ending all forms of security chaos.
Recently, redoubled efforts were exerted to secure Johnston’s release. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip since mid June after bloody internal clashes, and the dismissed Palestinian government headed by Ismail Haniya expressed determination to bring about an end to Johnston’s file. These efforts culminated with Johnston’s safe release this morning.
PCHR is deeply relieved and glad that Alan Johnston has been released; and:
Commends all the efforts exerted to secure Alan’s safe release, especially the efforts of Hamas, the Executive Force, and the dismissed Palestinian government led by Haniya. The Centre is aware of the difficulties posed during these efforts, none less than the serious threats to Johnston’s life during his abductions.
Reminds that the absence of legal action against the perpetrators of previous kidnappings encouraged such crimes in the areas controlled by the Palestinian National Authority over the past 3 years, especially in the Gaza Strip. The Centre has documented 28 kidnappings targeting 55 internationals, including 12 journalists. Although these kidnappings ended with the safe release of the hostages, no legal action was taken against the perpetrators.
Calls upon the Attorney-General to fulfill his responsibility in exposing the perpetrators of all kidnappings, and to take legal action against them so as to bring them to justice.
Renews the call to restore the judicial system in the Gaza Strip through the resumption of the work of the civilian police and the office of the Attorney-General.
