Johnston Tells of 'Appalling,' 'Terrifying' Ordeal

Alan Johnston's 16 weeks in captivity were an "appalling" experience that made him feel "buried alive," the BBC reporter tells the Evening Times of Glasgow. Johnston, freed yesterday, said he dreamed of freedom "but always woke up in that room." In Jerusalem yesterday after being released in Gaza, he said he feels "the most unimaginable relief" at finally being out.

Johnston described his Army of Islam captors as "dangerous and unpredictable" men who threatened his life. Hearing messages of support over the radio during his captivity provided a “psychological boost," he said. Johnston, 45, who was the only Western reporter based in Gaza, plans to rest a few days before returning home to Scotland. (More Alan Johnston stories.)