Palestinian Journalists Protest the Kidnapping of BBC Reporter, Johnston

Thursday March 22, 2007 18:25

by George Rishmawi - IMEMC & Agenices

Palestinian journalists organized on Thursday a march in the West Bank city of Ramallah to protest against the kidnapping of the British Broadcast Corporation’s reporter, Allan Johnston, in Gaza Strip.

Palestinian journalists organized on Thursday a march in the West Bank city of Ramallah to protest against the kidnapping of the British Broadcast Corporation’s reporter, Allan Johnston, in Gaza Strip.

Some Palestinian officials were present at the march that started at Al-Manarah circle and ended at the Presidential Compound, during which protestors demanded that Johnston’s captors immediately free him.

Ahmad Abdul Rahman, a senior Palestinian Authority official and one of President Mahmoud Abbas’ aids, said during the march that President Abbas is doing his utmost to release Johnston. He added that there are positive signs regarding Johnston's release, assuring Johnston’s Family and the BBC that “this case will be over soon.”

Abdul Rahman said that the kidnapping of Johnston is an insult to the Palestinian people and is contradictory to the morals and traditions of the Palestinians. He praised the role of Journalists in being like a window for the Palestinian People, through which the world can see what is happening in Palestine as a result of the Israeli occupation.

On his part, Na’im Tubassi, head of the Palestinian Journalists Trade Union, said that the goal of this protest is to make the voices that demand the release of Johnston louder. He demanded that the Palestinian Authority provide protection and safety for the journalists, and to promptly find and punish the kidnappers.