Hamas releases UK journalist

Group accused Paul Martin of being security threat, but did not charge him.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: MARCH 12, 2010 09:38
paul martin journalist 311 ap (photo credit: AP)
paul martin journalist 311 ap
(photo credit: AP)
A British journalist has been released from Hamas custody after a month's detention and is on his way out of the Gaza Strip.
Paul Martin was arrested Feb. 14 in a Gaza court where he had intended to testify on behalf of a Palestinian militant charged with collaborating with Israel. Hamas officials accused Martin of being a security threat, but did not charge him.
Martin was the first foreigner to be arrested since Hamas seized Gaza in 2007.
Martin was freed from a Hamas lockup Thursday and made his way toGaza's Erez crossing into Israel. He was accompanied by Britishdiplomats. Hamas says Martin signed a pledge not to return to Gaza.
Martin has produced reports for the British Broadcasting Corp. and The Times of London.