BBC reporter Alan Johnston will spend his 45th birthday in captivity. He was kidnapped nine weeks ago in Gaza, where he had worked for three years. The BBC will mark his birthday with candlelight vigils in cities around the world.

To sign a petition urging Johnston’s release, click here.


BBC:

BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston is spending his 45th birthday in captivity after being kidnapped nine weeks ago, amid continuing fighting in Gaza.

Vigils to mark it will be held by the BBC in London, Tehran, Moscow, Hong Kong and Ramallah.

Meanwhile, an Islamic cleric detained in the UK, Abu Qatada, has reportedly offered to travel to Gaza to help secure Mr Johnston’s release.

The journalist was abducted at gunpoint in Gaza City on 12 March.

Read more

Your support is crucial...

As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.

Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality beneath the headlines — without compromise.

Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG