Palestinian journalists are being asked to boycott coverage of the Palestinian Authority government for three days to protest what they say is inaction in the case of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped on March 12.

An excerpt from the BBC story:

Senior BBC colleagues of Mr Johnston have appealed to Palestinian leaders including President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya.

Both have said everything possible is being done to free Mr Johnston.

Monday protest

However, the head of the Palestinian Journalists' Union, Naim Tubasi, told the BBC News website that the boycott was necessary as the Palestinian authorities were doing little to help secure the journalist's release.

During the boycott, the union leader said no Palestinian media outlet would cover stories on the activities of the presidency or the new unity government.

Mr Tubasi said simultaneous demonstrations would also be staged at 1100 on Monday by Palestinian journalists and residents in Ramallah and Gaza City.

He said the protests would continue until Mr Johnston was freed.

"If Alan Johnston is not returned after three days, then we will continue. This is a battle for me, my union and the Palestinian people. We must be successful," he said.