Gaza lawyer expects British journalist Paul Martin to be released from Hamas lockup
By APThursday, March 11, 2010
Lawyer: Paul Martin to be released by Hamas
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Gaza lawyer says he expects his client, British free-lance journalist Paul Martin, to be released from Hamas custody.
Lawyer Sharhabil Zayim says he was told by Hamas his client would be freed Thursday.
Martin was arrested Feb. 14 in a Gaza court where he had intended to testify on behalf of a Palestinian militant accused of 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.
Zayim says Martin is expected to sign a pledge that he will not return to Gaza.
British consular officials had no immediate comment.
Martin has produced reports for the British Broadcasting Corp. and The Times of London.
