From the BBC in London:
Events have taken place in London and Gaza to mark two weeks since BBC reporter Alan Johnston went missing. The BBC set up a satellite link between Gaza and its London Television Centre so staff and supporters could exchange messages of support on giant screens. Director General Mark Thompson praised Johnston's commitment for reporting from Gaza in very difficult conditions. "All of us in London and in Gaza want him home," Thompson told about 100 journalists and staff members.
Thompson described Alan Johnston as "one of those amazing BBC people who make extraordinary sacrifices and take considerable risks because they believe a story needs to be told." "He remained with his friends and colleagues in Gaza when others left and as you have heard, Alan has many friends and colleagues in Gaza." "We continue to talk to people in the Middle East and in the UK to try to secure Alan's release," he added.
Speaking for the Palestinian journalists' syndicate in Gaza, Shadi al-Kashif pledged their protests "will not stop" until Johnston's release. Palestinian officials have said all possible efforts are being made to secure his release.
Numerous demonstrations have been held in Gaza in support of the missing correspondent. On Sunday more than 100 journalists, politicians and others attended a rally in Gaza calling for his release. Last Wednesday Palestinian journalists began a rolling strike. Numerous international demands for his immediate release have been made by the Arab League, the UK government and the European Union.
Johnston has been the BBC's correspondent in the Gaza Strip for the past three years - and the only foreign journalist from a major media organisation based in Gaza. The BBC describes him as a highly experienced and respected reporter.
Johnston, 44, was born in Tanzania and educated in Scotland. He joined the BBC World Service in 1991 and has spent 8 of the last 16 years as a correspondent, including periods in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
I don't like this increasing pattern of kidnappings - here in Gaza and in Iraq. It certainly is effective in creating terror. I am not supposed to walk alone but the place I go to do yoga is just around the corner from my guesthouse and I often walk - but these last few night I had second thoughts (the PRT in Herat is Italian and so are many civilians and the Taleban have said they will kidnapping more italians since their last attempt was so successful, I'm afraid I could easily be mistaken for an Italian, I even make an excellent risotto.)
Posted by: Frida | 28 March 2007 at 13:34
you can leave messages of support for alan at the BBC website
http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=5911&&edition=2&ttl=20070327234028
Posted by: martin | 28 March 2007 at 00:42
Very unfortunate that people are more interested in the fluff of celebrity, rather than a reporter risking their life to discover truth! Praying that he is found safe!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: giggles | 27 March 2007 at 22:54
What is the point of kidnapping a journalist? I hope that the long silence does not bode badly for Mr. Johnson... I hope he is returned home safely and soon...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 27 March 2007 at 15:00
I watched the BBC last night, sadly that story appeared as only a mere footnote...praying for his safe return.
Posted by: berrie | 27 March 2007 at 13:09
Sorry to say he seems to be yesterday's news here in the UK, only mentioned in passing at the end of news programmes. I think too many people here are too interested in celebrity to bother their little heads with it. SAD!
Posted by: Di Overton | 27 March 2007 at 08:49
I'm praying for his safe release too.. these stories always horrify me.
Posted by: holli | 27 March 2007 at 07:28
I hope and pray for his safe - and quick release. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Posted by: tinker | 27 March 2007 at 06:16
I appreciate your update on this situation ... I pray for his release. JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 27 March 2007 at 04:44
I read of this when it had just occured and then never read anymore of what was happening. Thank you for the update, Tara. I will be more vigilant in my news reading......
terribly scary really..........lets pray for a safe return home for Mr. Johnson. I can't imagine what he must be going through right now as I think of him....
Posted by: awareness | 27 March 2007 at 02:25
Is all the media attention making it worse or better? I pray for a safe return.
Posted by: Tammy | 27 March 2007 at 01:30
Yeh ... I read about this on the BBC. Its very odd that they are holding him so long and without any news
Lets hope for a positive ending
Posted by: lacithecat | 26 March 2007 at 23:15