Johnston Tells of 'Appalling,' 'Terrifying' Ordeal

Freed BBC reporter describes kidnapping

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 4, 2007 10:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Alan Johnston's 16 weeks in captivity were an "appalling" experience that made him feel "buried alive," the BBC reporter tells the Evening Times of Glasgow. Johnston, freed yesterday, said he dreamed of freedom "but always woke up in that room." In Jerusalem yesterday after being released in Gaza, he said he feels "the most unimaginable relief" at finally being out.

Johnston described his Army of Islam captors as "dangerous and unpredictable" men who threatened his life. Hearing messages of support over the radio during his captivity provided a “psychological boost," he said. Johnston, 45, who was the only Western reporter based in Gaza, plans to rest a few days before returning home to Scotland.

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

British Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alan Johnston speaks to the media during a press conference at the British consulate in Jerusalem, Wednesday, July 4, 2007. Johnston was released Wednesday after... (Associated Press)

British Broadcasting Corporation reporter Alan Johnston waves to the media during a press conference at the British consulate in Jerusalem, Wednesday, July 4, 2007. Johnston was released Wednesday after... (Associated Press)

Members of the BBC staff, holding placards of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, kidnapped in Gaza on March 12 and released July 4, 2007, celebrate his release as they wait for his family to arrive at the... (Associated Press)

BBC staff holding placards of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, kidnapped in Gaza on March 12 and released July 4, 2007, celebrate his release as they wait for his family to arrive at the BBC offices in central... (Associated Press)

BBC reporter Alan Johnston, left, raises his hand with former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, following his release in Gaza City, early Wednesday, July 4, 2007. British reporter Alan... (Associated Press)

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Johnston Tells of 'Appalling,' 'Terrifying' Ordeal