Gaza City: Hamas released on Thursday a British
reporter held in its Gaza enclave, the only foreigner to be
arrested in the territory since the Islamist group seized
power in 2007.
A clean-shaven and apparently healthy Martin told
reporters on the Gaza side of the Erez crossing with Israel
that his release was a "great victory for the freedom of the
media."
"I`ve been through a lot in the last few days and weeks,"
he added, before being whisked to the crossing in an armoured
vehicle.
A press conference to mark the release was held at the
house of senior Hamas leader Mahmud al-Zahar, who accused
Martin of being a "spy for Israel" and said he would not be
allowed to return to Gaza.
Martin was arrested on February 14 in a Gaza courtroom
while testifying for a friend accused of "collaborating with
Israel."
The charges levelled against Martin largely describe the
work of the dozens of journalists and researchers who
regularly operate in Gaza with little interference from Hamas
authorities.
Zahar said Martin had "recruited a large number of
private drivers and translators to gather information and to
work for him.
PTI
