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Hamas releases British journalist Hamas releases British journalist
(about 5 hours later)
The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has released a British journalist accused of espionage in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has released a British journalist it had held for a month in Gaza, saying at a news conference that it suspects him of being a spy.
Paul Martin, a freelance journalist accused by the movement of working for Israel, was arrested on 15 February. Mr Martin denied the allegation and said his release was a "great victory for the rights of journalists".
Hamas, which runs the enclave, has not filed any charge against him in court but said it was deporting him because it "believed him to be guilty". No charges were brought against Mr Martin, but he was made to leave Gaza on the orders of Hamas.
Mr Martin denied the accusation and said his release was a "great victory for the rights of journalists". At the media conference senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahhar said he believed Mr Martin was "a spy".
"I was never accused of any crime although I was interrogated for something which was blatantly impossible for me to have done," Mr Martin said in a statement. "I address that he is a spy for Israel," Mr Zahar said, in response to a question in English from a journalist.
"I think eventually it was realised that there was no case against me, but it took a long time for extremely suspicious security people to absorb this message." Mr Martin was arrested on 15 February. Hamas said he had "committed offences that harmed the security of the country" but gave no further detail.
Mr Martin's lawyer said the charges were "ridiculous" . 'Difficult story'
His family also strongly rejected the Hamas accusations, saying he was an innocent journalist.
"We are extremely relieved that Paul has been released and pleased that the authorities responded to our appeals," his wife Anne said.
He had gone to Gaza to give evidence in the defence of a Palestinian man he had interviewed, who had also been accused of spying for Israel.
"Paul has maintained his innocence throughout this ordeal," Mrs Martin said.
No charges were brought against Mr Martin in court, but he was made to leave Gaza on the orders of Hamas.
He has been forbidden from returning to Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, Hamas said.
"My release is a great victory for the right of journalists to be able to cover difficult stories in a fearless and accurate way without being subject to arrest, or worse at the hands of a group that dislikes their journalism," Mr Martin said."My release is a great victory for the right of journalists to be able to cover difficult stories in a fearless and accurate way without being subject to arrest, or worse at the hands of a group that dislikes their journalism," Mr Martin said.
He thanked people who helped secure his release. "I was never accused of any crime although I was interrogated for something which was blatantly impossible for me to have done. I think eventually it was realised that there was no case against me, but it took a long time for extremely suspicious security people to absorb this message."
'Defamation' His wife said she was "extremely relieved" that Mr Martin had been released.
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, BBC Gaza correspondent Jon Donnison says. Mr Martin's lawyer said the allegations were "ridiculous" .
His family also strongly rejected them, saying he was an innocent journalist.
'Threat'
Mr Martin "met criminals, committed crimes and took activities against our security," said Mr Zahar.
"He tried to play at dangerous things threatening the lives and the interests of the Palestinian Authority here," he said.
He also said Mr Martin had "been in contact with suspicious people who in the past have been proven to be agents".
He has been forbidden from returning to either Gaza or the West Bank, Hamas said, although its authority does not extend to the West Bank, which is run by the rival Fatah movement.
Mr Martin had gone to Gaza to give evidence in the defence of a Palestinian man he had interviewed, who had been accused of spying for Israel.
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.
Mr Martin was originally held for two weeks. Hamas then announced his detention would be extended to a month.Mr Martin was originally held for two weeks. Hamas then announced his detention would be extended to a month.
Senior Hamas leader Mahmud al-Zahar held a news 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.
Mr Martin "was working on defaming the image of the Palestinian people by saying that they smuggle weapons through tunnels", the Associated Press reported.
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 took control of Gaza in 2007 after winning elections there in 2006.Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 after winning elections there in 2006.