 BBC said yesterday it has been assured by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that its Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston, kidnapped a month ago, was “safe and well,” and again appealed for his release. “I appeal to all those who may have influence with the kidnappers to use their best endeavors to secure Alan’s release safely and speedily,” BBC Director General Mark Thompson told a press conference in Ramallah. “I would appeal to the people holding Alan Johnston to release him immediately,” he said, on what the BBC said was a “day of action” being held to highlight their correspondent’s plight. | "And I encourage every tellytax license holder to view our forthcoming documentary on the plight of the noble orchard keepers/gunnies of Occupied Paleostine." |
There has been no word on the fate of Johnston, 44, since he was forced from his car at gunpoint as he drove home from work in Gaza City exactly one month ago on March 12 — the longest a Westerner has been held in the volatile territory. |