The Cellar - BBC Correspondent freed.

The Cellar (http://cellar.org/index.php)

- Current Events (http://cellar.org/forumdisplay.php?f=4)

- - BBC Correspondent freed. (http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=14740)

DanaC

07-04-2007 04:20 AM

BBC Correspondent freed.

It's been a long wait, and I think many people assumed he wouldn't make it out alive. Alan Johnston, held captive in Gaza for 115 days, has been released.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/6267928.stm

Aliantha

07-04-2007 04:35 AM

That's wonderful for his family and friends. We've had coverage of this over here but I hadn't heard this good news.

DanaC

07-04-2007 04:37 AM

He puts his release down to Hamas taking control in Gaza.

Aliantha

07-04-2007 04:45 AM

The plot thickens doesn't it.

Sundae

07-04-2007 05:41 AM

I hadn't heard - thank goodness.
I honestly expected his body to turn up in a shallow grave some day.

TheMercenary

07-04-2007 09:00 AM

Surprised he made it out alive.

xoxoxoBruce

07-05-2007 03:37 AM

I wonder if a ransom was paid?

TheMercenary

07-05-2007 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce (Post 361391)

I wonder if a ransom was paid?

Good question. There often are ransoms paid, which IMHO only feeds the dragon.

tw	07-05-2007 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce (Post 361391)

I wonder if a ransom was paid?

100% Hamas. Hamas knew where Alan was. Hamas wanted to raid the houses to free Alan. The British and BBC begged Hamas to instead do negotiations.

Hamas wanted Alan Johnston freed. Negotiations became possible only after Hamas had driven Fatah from Gaza.

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:37 AM.