Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
509-S Centre Block, House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6

June 22, 2007

Dear Minister,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

BBC correspondent Alan Johnston was abducted in Gaza on March 12, 2007. Johnston was the fifteenth journalist abducted in Gaza since 2004. He was also the only Western journalist still permanently based in Gaza.

A group called the Army of Islam has claimed responsibility for his abduction. In exchange for Alan's freedom, they have demanded the release of certain Islamic prisoners being held in the United Kingdom. Among these prisoners is Abu Qatada, a Palestinian born Islamic cleric who is suspected of close links to al-Qaeda and is currently held by the UK government as a threat to national security. After seizing control of Gaza last week, the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas promised to secure his release. However, members of the Army of Islam have denied reaching any agreement with Hamas and have threatened to kill Alan if the Islamic prisoners are not released.

On June 21, CJFE and PEN Canada co-hosted a screening of the film "A Mighty Heart," based on the story of Mariane and Daniel Pearl. Daniel Pearl was an American journalist who was held hostage and then murdered by militant Islamists in Pakistan in 2002. The night of the screening of "A Mighty Heart" marked Alan Johnston's 101st day of captivity.

We would like to draw your attention to the enclosed petition, signed by 116 attendees at the screening. We ask that the Canadian Government do everything within its power to draw attention to this matter and support the international effort to ensure that Alan is freed quickly and unharmed.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President