Canadian journalists call for release of BBC reporter in Gaza

Hundreds of Canadian journalists gathered in Toronto on Thursday to mark the 60th day of BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston's captivity and to plea for his immediate release.

Several prominent journalists from Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) voiced their support for Johnston and his family. As the rally ended, the crowd came together behind a giant banner that read "Free Alan Now!" and took a photograph, reports reaching here said.

The event, organized by former BBC South Asia correspondent Daniel Lak and the Canadian Media Guild and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, was also aimed at raising awareness about the dangers foreign journalists face, according to Lak, who is a friend of Johnston.

Johnston was kidnapped by gunmen near his office in Gaza City on March 12. He is believed to be alive and in good health, but there is no indication when he will get released.

Source: Xinhua