BBC’s Alan Johnston released!
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln.
I felt overjoyed and shouted in happiness when I saw the news that Alan Johnston is released today. It is a dream come true and as it is one in a trillion possibilities.
Alan Johnston is BBC’s Gaza correspondent. He was posted in Gaza by BBC for a three year reporting service which started on April 2004. On 12 March 2007, on his way home he was kidnapped by a little known group called the Army of Islam. In Gaza strip there are many such small groups functioning without coming under the command of any established big brother groups.
He was in captivity for 114 days. For a long stretch he never saw the sun. It would be psychologically devastating to be in that grueling condition. The way he came out of all that is astounding. Many politicians and even some sports persons broke out in front of the media when it comes to handling emotions.
He was completely in control. When he first met the media on the way to freedom, he looked composed. I admire him for the way he conducted and presented himself to the public in the process of release or post release. He is one brave man for his parents to be proud of.
I have been closely following the event right from the abduction to his release. The most disturbing event in the timeline was, when a video was released showing him in a vest, which he claimed to be an explosive jacket. The international community, BBC, the general public and internet users raised voice for his release. Many individuals showed solidarity by in person by working for it. Special mention is to the Palestinian authorities and the press which presented full support towards his safety and release. It is a great victory for journalism.
From now on whatever he says will become a quote. But, he deserves it! I choose to repeat the following lines he told in a press conference immediately after his release. “Maybe you have to have been a prisoner of some kind, for some time, to know how good it is just to be able to do the basic things that freedom allows,” he said. Freedom is life. Hope he comes out with a book and it sells more than Harry Potter!
After taking Gaza strip into control Hamas meant business. It ensured the safe release of Alan Johnston. Can we trust Hamas for a future peaceful resolution of the Palestinian crisis?
We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. ~Edward R. Murrow