Free Alan Johnston

Dear Chairman Abbas,

I am writing to you in your capacity as both Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and President of the Palestinian National Authority.

I am writing to you as someone who supports the legitimate Palestinian claims to self-determination, an end to occupation and implementation of international law.

I am calling on you to work tirelessly for the release of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston.

Throughout his time in Gaza Alan Johnston used his immense professional skills to explain the human face of Palestinian suffering under occupation. His kidnap is an affront to the legitimate Palestinian national cause.

Kidnapping Alan serves only to weaken this cause and to strengthen the forces in Gaza who are working to subvert law and order inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Under your stewardship it is the responsibility of the new Palestinian unity government to work to restore the rule of law and to ensure that those responsible for countless human rights violations are brought to justice.

Restoration of the rule of law inside the Gaza Strip will also help to protect and improve the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians. I implore you to invest every possible resource in ensuring the safe release of Alan and to ensure that his kidnappers face trial.