Gaza rally for BBC correspondent

JOURNALISTS in Gaza held a rally on Saturday to call for the release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston and an end to the kidnap and intimidation of reporters.

The demonstration was the latest in a series of appeals since Mr Johnston disappeared two weeks ago on his way home from work in Gaza City. More than 100 journalists, politicians, and others attended the rally.Palestinian officials have said all possible efforts are being made to secure Mr Johnston’s release.Gaza has seen numerous demonstrations in support of the BBC correspondent, and last Wednesday Palestinian journalists staged a strike.There have also been numerous international demands for his immediate release, including from the Arab League, the UK government and the EU.Sunday’s demonstration took place near the Unknown Soldier memorial in the centre of Gaza City.A tent covered in pictures of Alan Johnston was erected nearby, and contained messages demanding his release written by local Palestinians.A six-metre poster of the missing reporter hung from an advertising hoarding.The BBC’s Jerusalem bureau chief, Simon Wilson, expressed gratitude for the international support the BBC had received, but urged all individuals and parties with any influence to work “tirelessly” to secure Alan Johnston’s release.His call was echoed by the head of the Palestinian Press Association , Sakr Abu al-Aoun, who said the Palestinian authorities and different factions must to do everything possible to free the missing reporter.Johnston has been the BBC’s correspondent in the Gaza Strip for the past three years – and the only foreign journalist from a major media organisation based in Gaza.The BBC describes him as a highly experienced and respected reporter.Aged 44, he was born in Tanzania and educated in Scotland.He joined the BBC World Service in 1991 and has spent eight of the last 16 years as a correspondent, including periods in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.BBCMore than 100 journalists, politicians, and others attended the rally.Palestinian officials have said all possible efforts are being made to secure Mr Johnston’s release.Gaza has seen numerous demonstrations in support of the BBC correspondent, and last Wednesday Palestinian journalists staged a strike.There have also been numerous international demands for his immediate release, including from the Arab League, the UK government and the EU.Sunday’s demonstration took place near the Unknown Soldier memorial in the centre of Gaza City.A tent covered in pictures of Alan Johnston was erected nearby, and contained messages demanding his release written by local Palestinians.A six-metre poster of the missing reporter hung from an advertising hoarding.The BBC’s Jerusalem bureau chief, Simon Wilson, expressed gratitude for the international support the BBC had received, but urged all individuals and parties with any influence to work “tirelessly” to secure Alan Johnston’s release.His call was echoed by the head of the Palestinian Press Association , Sakr Abu al-Aoun, who said the Palestinian authorities and different factions must to do everything possible to free the missing reporter.Johnston has been the BBC’s correspondent in the Gaza Strip for the past three years – and the only foreign journalist from a major media organisation based in Gaza.The BBC describes him as a highly experienced and respected reporter.Aged 44, he was born in Tanzania and educated in Scotland.He joined the BBC World Service in 1991 and has spent eight of the last 16 years as a correspondent, including periods in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.BBC