BBC journalist Alan Johnston free on July 4
BBC reporter Alan Johnston is finally free. Fox reporter Steve Centanni believes Johnston was held by the same group, and in fact guarded by the same man, that held Centanni and New Zealander cameraman Olaf Wig, in Gaza last year. Johnston was seen on video today with former Palestinian Prime Minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, who reportedly saved Johnston from the Army of Islam. The BBC has the Tuesday night chain of events leading to Johnston's release.
Johnston said the last 16 weeks were the "very worse" you can imagine, "like being buried alive." He described the experience as "occasionally terrifying." He said he was kept in a darkened apartment for the past three months and had his life threatened numerous times."I wondered if they might use me as a human shield," Johnston said. "I thought they might really kill me."
Johnston was given a small radio where he could listen to the news of the campaign to release him. That helped keep hope alive. (source)
I'm thankful for Johnston's safe release. But it is disturbing that the same kidnappers are still free to continue doing what they do best.
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July 4 heroes in Scotland:
Cabbie kicks moslem jihadi scum in the balls!, The Lone Voice. Also video of hero John Smeaton
New to the blogroll, China Law Blog, with a timely article "Made In China: Sued In The USA"
Other reading:
God on the Fourth of JulY, Woman Honor Thyself
Happy 4th of July, 123Beta
The Instapundit has a collection of ways to hep our troops overseas.
Yes, thank God he was released. He could have ended up like Pearl. And the irony is that a terrorist organization will be hailed as heroic for being instrumental in gaining Johnston's release from another terrorist group.
And God bless those Glasgow heroes! They do exist.
Happy 4th!
Posted by: incognito | July 04, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Yes, thank God he was released. He could have ended up like Pearl. And the irony is that a terrorist organization will be hailed as heroic for being instrumental in gaining Johnston's release from another terrorist group.
And God bless those Glasgow heroes! They do exist.
Happy 4th!
Posted by: incognito | July 04, 2007 at 06:39 PM
Amazing that being handed over to Hamas can be seen as freedom. I think I saw Hamail-what's-his-name pull out a big ribbon (Hamas colors??) or medal with ribbon to present in the press conference.
I hope Johnston goes back to Britain and tells every little secret.
Terrorist grunge is what they are.
Hey Debbie, again, Happy Independence Day.
Maggie
Maggie's Notebook
Posted by: Maggie M. Thornton | July 04, 2007 at 06:30 PM
I am so glad he was released. Thank God he is still alive - this is always the main issue and the fact he can live to tell about his ordeal will help us in this fight on terror.
Sorry I have not been here earlier, but I am so busy and I do hope you and yours had a blessed 4th.
Layla
Posted by: Layla | July 04, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Happy Independence Day, Debbie!
Posted by: Butch | July 04, 2007 at 04:32 PM
One of my better headlines, right to the point...a bit like that cabbies toe!
Posted by: fidothedog | July 04, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Patriotic Justice... Thank God!!!
That’s all, folks.
Freedom demands eternal vigilance.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA !!!
Posted by: Ernesto Ribeiro | July 04, 2007 at 12:13 PM