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Hamas release British journalist Hamas release British journalist
(30 minutes later)
The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has released a British journalist accused of espionage in the Gaza Strip.The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has released a British journalist accused of espionage in the Gaza Strip.
Paul Martin, a freelance journalist accused of working for the Israelis, was arrested on 15 February. Paul Martin, a freelance journalist accused of "collaborating with Israel", was arrested on 15 February.
He was held for two weeks by Hamas, who run the enclave, who then announced his detention would be extended to a month. Hamas, who run the enclave, say he has been found guilty, but his lawyers still contest the charge.
He was arrested on his arrival in Gaza, where he was due to give evidence in the defence of a Palestinian accused of spying for Israel. He was arrested on his arrival in Gaza, where he was due to give evidence in the defence of a Palestinian man also accused of spying for Israel.
His lawyer, Sharhabeel al-Zaeem, said Mr Martin maintained his innocence and was handed over to British consular officials. He has been forbidden from returning to Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, Hamas said.
Hamas had claimed Mr Martin "committed offences that harmed the security of the country" but has not made public its accusations against the reporter. 'Found guilty'
The journalist and film-maker was handed over to a delegation from the British consulate and driven in a diplomatic vehicle to the Erez crossing with Israel, the BBC's Gaza correspondent Jon Donnison says.
Mr Martin was originally held for two weeks, Hamas then announced his detention would be extended to a month.
His lawyer, Sharhabeel al-Zaeem, maintained he is innocent of the allegations levelled against him.
Senior Hamas leader Mahmud al-Zahar held a press conference to announce the release at his home in Gaza.
"After concluding the investigation, it was found that Paul Martin has been found guilty of being an agent for Israel," he said.
He said Mr Martin was now barred from entering all Palestinian territory, although Hamas authority does not extend to the West Bank, which is run by the rival Fatah movement.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant Islamist organisation that took control of Gaza after winning elections there in 2007.Hamas is the Palestinian militant Islamist organisation that took control of Gaza after winning elections there in 2007.