Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
July 4, 2007

Kidnapped BBC Journalist Freed in Gaza
--------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1808C16:A6F02AD83191E160BB22C6540426A1B89574F7DCC14957C0 Alan Johnston
emerged from his nearly four months in captivity looking tired and
pale and walking stiffly Kidnapped BBC Journalist Alan Johnston has
been freed by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. As Robert
Berger reports from VOA's Jerusalem bureau, he was freed with the help
of the Islamic militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza.







BBC reporter Alan Johnston, left, waves as he arrives at the Israeli
side of the Erez Border crossing, 04 July 2007Alan Johnston emerged
from his nearly four months in captivity looking tired and pale and
walking stiffly. He was handed over to Hamas officials as journalists
shouted his name in celebration.

Johnston spoke of his ordeal at a news conference in Gaza.

"The psychological pressures and stresses are absolutely huge, and
it's a huge battle to keep your mind in the right place and stay
healthy in every way you can, and just the most unimaginable relief
that it's finally over," he said.

Johnston's life appeared to be in serious danger last week, when the
shadowy group holding him, the Army of Islam, posted a video of him
wearing an explosives belt. He said his life was threatened several
times.

"The last 16 weeks of course [were] just the very worst you can
imagine of my life. It was like being buried alive really, removed
from the world, and occasionally terrifying," said Johnston. "We were
in the hands of people who were dangerous and unpredictable."

But when Hamas took over Gaza last month in a civil war, it worked for
Johnston's release. Palestinian analyst Hassan Abu Shanah says it is a
sign that Hamas is in full control.

"Everyone knows that Hamas is very powerful now on the ground here in
Gaza," he said. "I believe that no one will work against these troops
because they are taking over all the Gaza Strip."

Johnston said it is "fantastic" to be free. He said he often dreamed
of waking up a free man. Now, it is a dream come true.