Alan Johnston, BBC Corespondent who was kidnapped by the Army of Islam in 2007 will be our guest on Feb 22nd. Alan has been invited to speak about his experiences as a reporter in war-torn regions of the world, and his ordeal at the hand of his kidnappers.

This event is in association with DCU Amnesty International and DCU Model United Nations. Venue and time TBC.

Colm O Gorman, Executive Director for Amnesty International Ireland will chair the evenings discussion.

Alan’s story:

The kidnappers had forced me to lie face down on the floor. But after they left, and the small, bare room had fallen silent, I rolled over and pulled myself slowly into a sitting position.

My wrists were handcuffed behind my back, and a black hood had been pulled down over my head. And as I sat there – in danger, and afraid – I had a great sense of being at the very lowest point of my life.

It had begun out in the spring sunshine, on the streets of Gaza City.

A saloon car had suddenly surged past mine, and then pulled up, forcing me to stop.

A young man emerged from the passenger side and pointed a pistol at me.

I had reported many times on the kidnapping of foreigners in Gaza. Now, as I always feared it might, my turn had come.

The figure with the pistol and another gunman forced me into their car, and as we sped off I was made to lie on the back seat.

For Alan’s full story and audio click here.

For more information or for press queries please contact Steve Conlon at Steve [at] journosoc.com.

Img: APP