CPJ welcomes release of NBC’s Engel

New York, December 18, 2012–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of NBC correspondent Richard Engel and three crew members on Monday following five days of captivity in Syria.

“We are relieved that Engel and his crew are safe and free after a truly harrowing experience,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Coordinator Sherif Mansour. “We remain gravely concerned for all journalists covering Syria who are working in an environment in which the risks are constantly shifting. Twenty-eight journalists have been killed this year while covering the conflict, and at least two other journalists, Mohamed al-Saeed and Bashar Fahmi, are still missing.”

CPJ research shows that of the 15 journalists abducted in Syria during 2012, eight have been released, one is believed to be in government custody, one is believed held with the rebel army, three were still missing, and two were believed dead.