British freelance journalist Paul Martin was released on Thursday after being held for 26 days in Gaza Central Prison.

Martin was arrested on Sunday 14 February while attending the trial of Hamas militant Mohammed Abu Muaileq, who is on trial for collaborating with the Israeli army during the January 2009 conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza. The Palestinian defendant had featured in a documentary Martin had made about the conflict. Martin was reportedly in court to provide a statement in Abu Muaileq’s defence.

Hamas had claimed Martin “committed offences that harmed the security of the country.” Some media outlets have reported that Hamas suspected Martin was involved in spying for Israel.

Speaking to the International Press Institute shortly before Martin’s release, George Hale, editor of the Bethlehem-based Ma’an News Agency, said that Hamas claimed to have resolved the issue following discussions with the British government.  The specific reasons for Martin’s detention were not revealed. Hale also said that Martin would be released at the Israeli border crossing and would not be allowed to remain in Gaza.

Martin was the first foreign journalist to be detained since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007.

Asked how Martin’s case would affect press freedom in the volatile territory, Hale said: “Hamas claim all foreign journalists are welcome.  It’s certainly not a good precedent to set.”

IPI Director David Dadge said: “We welcome the release of Paul Martin. However, the circumstances of his arrest and detention remain a cause for grave concern – in particular, the fact that the charges against him were never made public. The court hearings were held behind closed doors, and he was held incommunicado for 26 days. Incidents like this are likely to serve as a deterrent for any journalists considering visiting Gaza for their work, and they are particularly damaging to the reputation of Hamas, which claims to be a legitimate governing body. ”