Lib Dems Back EU calls for Alan Johnston Release

12.42.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 26th Apr 2007

Liberal Democrat MEPs are backing a European Parliament resolution calling for the immediate release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston.

Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East said:

"To kidnap someone like him is unbelievable, what do they hope to achieve? It certainly does nothing for the Palestinian cause, as many Palestinians have pointed out. His only offence is his belief that the story of Gaza and its people is told in a fair and balanced way and he has been doing that in an exceptional manner for the last 3 years.

"All we are doing today is trying to add our voices to the voices of his parents, his colleagues to say to his kidnappers that if anything happens to him you will have lost a strong voice telling your story to the world. All you will achieve is to isolate yourself and the Palestinian people further. That cannot be want you want, you want to be heard not to be further marginalised.

"These acts make it more difficult for those of us who have always supported the Palestinian cause to persuade people of the validity of the argument and that is why the kidnapping of Alan Johnston is completely self defeating and betrays the Palestinian people who continue to suffer."

"The European Parliament is rightly adding its voice to the chorus of disapproval around the world. Multi-lateral, world- wide pressure can only help Mr Johnston's cause.

"His abduction, which adds to the dreadful tally of attacks on journalists over the years, does huge damage to the interests of press freedom without which free democracies cannot exist. As we insist on the safe return of Alan Johnston, we salute the courage of all journalists who put their safety on the line in order to bring the truth to the world."

ENDS