Ludford backs EU calls for Alan Johnston release

1.43.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th Apr 2007

Sarah with LibDem MEP colleagues and fellow members of the human rights sub-committee Liz Lynne and Sajjad Karim

London's Liberal Democrat MEP and vice-chair of the sub-committee on human rights Baroness Sarah Ludford is backing a European Parliament resolution calling for the immediate release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston. In speaking in support of the resolution in Strasbourg she says:

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

"The tragedy of this is firstly the risk to a brave and honourable reporter, but secondly the harm it does to the Palestinian people in losing that window to the outside that Alan almost single-handedly was giving them. The kidnappers are doing no favours at all to the Palestinian 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."