The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and the Chairman of the Irish Council of Imams today issued a joint appeal for the release of Alan Johnston at an NUJ function in Dublin on the eve of World Press Freedom Day (Thursday 3 May). 

Dr Diarmuid Martin and Sheikh Hussein Halawa, Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland  made an historic joint appearance at a function in the Irish Writers Centre hosted by the Irish Executive Council of the NUJ. This is the first occasion on which the leader of the largest Muslim community in Ireland and the Catholic Primate of Ireland have publicly co-operated in this manner. The event followed an NUJ vigil outside the office of the Palestinian Delegation in Dublin last month supported by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The event is being co-ordinated by Ronan Brady, IEC, Cathaoirleach ,who says it will send a powerful signal of support for the campaign to release Alan. "I was impressed by the alacrity with which they accepted our invitation to take part in this public event," he commented.

Ronan paid tribute to the Chairman of the Irish Council for his positive support. The Islamic Cultural Central plays a vital role in the life of the Muslim community and is a positive force in Irish society, he said. The Cathaoirleach also thanked Archbishop Martin who, during his service at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace represented the Holy See at the major United Nations International Conferences on social questions. He also took part in activities of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, especially on the theme of international debt and poverty. 

 Joint Statement by Dr Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin and Sheikh Hussein Halawa, Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland and Chairman of the Irish Council of Imams

“We, an Archbishop of the majority faith in Ireland and an Imam of the majority faith in Gaza, stand here united in seeking the safe return of Alan Johnston to his family, friends and colleagues.

Christians and Muslims, as followers of the Almighty and Merciful God, work together to foster respect for the dignity of each human person.  We work for justice, solidarity, freedom, security and peace for all.

It is not right to keep a person like Alan against his will and we come together in solidarity with all those who have called for his release.  We note that these include the leaders of the Palestinian people as well as many, many citizens of Gaza.  Abducting a reporter can never help a cause, especially when the reporter is as fair and honest as Alan.  It can only harm the real interests of the Palestinian people.  In the pursuit of peace and freedom, values treasured by each of our religions, we plead with his captors to let Alan Johnston go immediately.”

Advisary Note

Alan Johnston is BBC Correspondent in Gaza. Alan disappeared on 12 March and is feared kidnapped, though there has been no confirmed word on his whereabouts or his condition.

See worldwide BBC petition: online petition <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6518185.stm>.

 

NUJ members who wish to endorse the appeal may e-mail info@nuj.ie, marking your email Alan Johnston appeal.

For more information contact NUJ Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley on 00 353 872 236 364.

02/05/07

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