UN seeks release of detained BBC journalist

NEW YORK: The United Nations marked World Press Freedom Day by calling for the release of British Broadcasting Corporation journalist Alan Johnston, who has been detained in Gaza since March, and all other reporters in captivity.

"Attacks on freedom of press are attacks against international law, against humanity, against freedom itself, against everything the United Nations stands for," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said on Thursday.

"A free, secure and independent press is among the very foundations of democracy and peace".

He voiced his dismay of the abduction in the Palestinian Gaza Strip of the BBC reporter, who has been held in captivity for the past 52 days.

"I appeal again for Alan Johnston's immediate and safe release," he said. "No cause is served, and any cause is undermined, by his continued captivity."

Ban also noted that in the past year, over 150 media professionals have died and many others have been injured, harassed, detained or abducted, becoming targets as they sought "to shed light on the plight of others."

Scores of people gathered across the street from UN Headquarters in New York to rally for Johnston's prompt release in an event organized by the BBC.

"No cause is served by Alan's captivity," Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro told the crowd of sign-waving supporters, including numerous fellow journalists who had gathered in a show of solidarity.