Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7212|Cambridge (UK)

BBC wrote:

Video released of BBC's Johnston(wmp stream)

A video has appeared on the internet showing the first pictures of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston since his abduction in Gaza on 12 March.

It is said to have been posted by the Army of Islam, the group that says it is holding the reporter.

In the video, Mr Johnston says he is in good health and that his captors have treated him well.

The BBC said it was studying the video carefully and repeated its call for the immediate release of Mr Johnston.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, on his visit to South Africa, said Mr Johnston was a journalist of "independence and integrity".

"I feel deeply for Alan Johnston and his family. We are doing everything we possibly can do to secure his release," he said.

Chancellor Gordon Brown called on those holding the reporter to free him "as a matter of urgency" as they were "not serving their cause by detaining him in this unfair and unjust way".

In a statement, the Foreign Office said: "We condemn the release of videos like this, which can only add to the distress of Alan Johnston's family and friends."

A statement released by Mr Johnston's family in Scotland said relatives were "very pleased to see Alan and to hear him say that he is not being ill-treated - although it is clearly distressing for us to see him in these circumstances".

Mr Johnston, 45, was seized nearly 12 weeks ago in Gaza City on his way home.

It is unclear when the video, which has appeared on the al-Ekhlaas website, was recorded.

Nor was it clear under what conditions the Scottish reporter was speaking.

(source)

Last edited by Scorpion0x17 (2007-06-01 04:37:11)

buLLet_t00th
Mr. Boombastic
+178|6888|Stealth City, UK
What do they think they're going to achieve by holding him for so long? Surely it makes the UK even more pissed with Islam and therefore kick more ass because of it?
Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7212|Cambridge (UK)
Rule 13, I know, I know...

But please forgive me in this instance - this deserves not to get lost in the crowd...
Skorpy-chan
Member
+127|6791|Twyford, UK
Holy crap, he's still alive? After the first few weeks, I'd given him up for dead.
David.P
Banned
+649|6720
Wow Islam army (whatever the fuck your called) Nice going. Pretty sure thats gonna get you anywhere.
Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7212|Cambridge (UK)
I think it depends on what they do next. If that footage is recent and he was under no pressure to deliver a prescripted 'message', then they may be making a move to release him - they're most valuable asset right now is him - not because of his material worth but because he is a journalist - keep him alive - treat him well - be humane - and, in a sense, you've got a far more dangerous weapon than any gun.

Last edited by Scorpion0x17 (2007-06-01 20:07:27)

Scorpion0x17
can detect anyone's visible post count...
+691|7212|Cambridge (UK)

Bertster7 (in another thread) wrote:

He'll be fine. I think they understand that treating him well is much better for their international image then killing him/treating him badly.

But then, you can never be sure. Awful lot of desperate nutters in the ME.
Yes, but this is the first news of him since the kidnapping - if they want something, why are they not being more open?

Part of the problem at the moment is they just don't seem to actually want anything.

So, unless I'm right, and it's his status as a journalist that is of value to them, even if they are treating him relatively well at the moment it does not, imo, bode well for his future.
Bertster7
Confused Pothead
+1,101|7027|SE London

Scorpion0x17 wrote:

Bertster7 (in another thread) wrote:

He'll be fine. I think they understand that treating him well is much better for their international image then killing him/treating him badly.

But then, you can never be sure. Awful lot of desperate nutters in the ME.
Yes, but this is the first news of him since the kidnapping - if they want something, why are they not being more open?

Part of the problem at the moment is they just don't seem to actually want anything.

So, unless I'm right, and it's his status as a journalist that is of value to them, even if they are treating him relatively well at the moment it does not, imo, bode well for his future.
Having him captive is good for them, Hamas are condemning the kidnapping and the British government are meeting with Hamas about sorting out getting him back. That's positive for Palestine. The kidnappers know they are doing themselves no favours, but holding him, independently, is helping strengthen relations between the UK and Palestine - good relations with the UK are a good stepping stone towards good relations with the US.
Skorpy-chan
Member
+127|6791|Twyford, UK
Goddammit, they better let him go, he's missing covering the damn civil war!
Bertster7
Confused Pothead
+1,101|7027|SE London

Skorpy-chan wrote:

Goddammit, they better let him go, he's missing covering the damn civil war!
Maybe they'll release him with a brilliant story about it, just as it comes to climax.

And maybe Hamas and Fatah and the Israelis will all sit down and make peace over tea and cake like civilised people, before they form a happy unified state where religion and ethnicity do not have any bearing on your rights.

Board footer

Privacy Policy - © 2025 Jeff Minard