Reply #6: British journalist released by Gaza gov't

[oberliner]

Gaza – Ma'an – British journalist Paul Martin, detained and charged with threatening state security in the Gaza Strip, was released on Thursday, Palestinian security sources said.

The documentary filmmaker was detained on 14 February and interrogated for 15 days by de facto government intelligence officers over interviews he was conducting with Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel.

Locals tipped off police as to the nature of Martin's work, and he was immediately detained, although no charges were ever announced. A military court extended his detention by 15 days on 1 March, at which time the de facto Ministry of Interior insisted the journalist was being treated in accordance with international law.

"The government responded to international appeals by media figures, politicians and foreigners for the release of the journalist," said Ahmad Yousef, undersecretary of the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Martin was released and deported without charge, Yousef added.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=267879