Alan Johnston: A Taste of Freedom

A Photo Essay

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BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston has been freed, almost four months after he was seized by the Army of Islam group in the Gaza Strip.

Mr Johnston, 45, pictured here with Ismail Haniya of Hamas, was handed over to armed men in Gaza City early on Wednesday.

In the first of a series of news conferences, Mr Johnston said he had "dreamt many times of being free" and said he was delighted the "terrifying" ordeal was over.

Mr Haniya said that securing Alan's release had been "a first priority" for Hamas, and he described the BBC reporter as "the friend of the Palestinian people".

Mr Johnston's father Graham said he and his family were "absolutely overjoyed" at Alan's release. He described the last 114 days as "a living nightmare".

Meanwhile, friends and colleagues of Mr Johnston working in the BBC bureau in Jerusalem celebrated his release.

Mr Johnston said: "It was like being buried alive. I felt removed from the world. It was occasionally terrifying, being held by people who were dangerous and unpredictable."

Mr Johnston was supported throughout his ordeal by his BBC colleagues. They are pictured holding a vigil in the newsroom at Television Centre to mark his 100th day in captivity.

Support for Mr Johnston came from all over the world. After his release, he said he had been comforted by radio reports he had heard about the demonstrations.

Alan Johnston is now at the British Consulate in Jerusalem. He said he was looking forward to being reunited with his family.

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