CPJ alarmed by gunfire outside Gaza news buildings; urges factions to halt
New York, May 16, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned that the safety of dozens of journalists was endangered by heavy factional fighting today around two Gaza City buildings housing several news organizations. According to CPJ sources and international news reports, Fatah gunmen took over the roofs of the Shawa and Hosari Tower—which…
Journalist, media worker killed in Gaza City
New York, May 14, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalist is outraged by the killings of a journalist and a media worker, who were shot on Sunday in Gaza City. Gunmen wearing presidential guard uniforms stopped a taxi carrying Suleiman Abdul-Rahim al-Ashi, 25, an economics editor for the Hamas-affiliated daily Palestine, and Mohammad Matar Abdo, 25,…
Palestinian group claims it’s holding Johnston, makes public demands
New York, May 9, 2007—The Palestinian militant group Jaish al-Islam has issued a recording in which it claims to be holding BBC correspondent Alan Johnston and demands the release of Muslim prisoners held by the United Kingdom in exchange for the journalist’s freedom. The audio and visual recording, published on an extremist Web site and…
Worldwide rallies seek release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston
New York, May 3, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists joined with colleagues at a rally at U.N. headquarters today to call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, abducted in Gaza more than seven weeks ago. Journalists in London, China, and Indonesia also rallied today, World Press Freedom Day, in support of Johnston’s release.…
Palestinian leaders confirm BBC correspondent is alive
New York, April 25, 2007—Despite encouraging statements from Palestinian leaders, the Committee to Protect Journalists remains deeply concerned about the safety of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, abducted in Gaza six weeks ago. Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Azzam al-Ahmad said in a statement that Johnston was alive and “in good health,” the BBC reported Tuesday. “The…
Unknown Palestinian group claims it killed BBC correspondent
New York, April 16, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists remains deeply concerned for the safety of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, abducted in Gaza five weeks ago, following an uncorroborated claim made by a previously unknown Palestinian militant group that they had killed him. On Sunday morning, the Brigades of Tawhid and Jihad (Brigades of Unity…
In Gaza, CPJ appeals for BBC correspondent’s immediate release
New York, April 12, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists joins today’s international actions appealing for the immediate release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, who was abducted in the Gaza Strip one month ago. “It is deeply troubling that a month after the kidnapping of our colleague Alan Johnston his abductors remain silent,” CPJ Executive Director…
BBC correspondent still missing in Gaza after 22 days
New York, April 3, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, seized in Gaza more than three weeks ago, amid intensifying pressure by Palestinian journalists on government officials to do more. Despite reports that the Hamas-led Palestinian government had identified Johnston’s abductors and expected him…
In Gaza, BBC correspondent still missing after a week
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted in the Gaza Strip one week ago. “We’re deeply concerned that Alan Johnston has been missing for a week now, and we appeal to those holding our colleague to release him…
CPJ renews calls for release of BBC correspondent in Gaza
New York, March 13, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of abducted BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston amid reports that the Hamas-led Palestinian government had identified his abductors and expected him to be freed soon. During a meeting in Gaza City, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya told BBC representatives…