British 'espionage' journalist released in Gaza

British journalist, Paul Martin, has been released by the Hamas government. MEMO has been informed of Martin’s release by the Ministry of Justice in Gaza early today, Thursday 11 2010. Martin was detained after claims made by a Gazan man, Muhammad Abu Mu’liq, who was also detained on suspicion of collaborating with the Israeli security services and had been known to Martin. The former confessed the involvement of the British journalist in the collaboration. The initial detention of 15 days was extended for a further 15 days to allow for a thorough investigation to take place to discover whether or not the accusations of espionage held true.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahar, Senior Hamas official, delivered a press release around the circumstances of his release and confirmed that Mr. Martin was indeed found to be involved in serious violations of the Palestinian law and security. He added that Mr. Martin will be handed to the British Consulate in order for UK officials to continue a comprehensive investigation into his activities of espionage.