Security forces arrested Kharsa in connection with his coverage of protests in Hama, according to human rights organizations. Kharsa’s whereabouts, well-being, and legal status were unknown in late year, but Amnesty International said it was concerned he may have been tortured in detention.
Kharsa had been living in the United Arab Emirates until June, when he decided to move back to his hometown of Hama to report on the country’s popular uprising. Amnesty International said Kharsa had tried working anonymously in his reporting for international news outlets, but his identity became known to Syrian intelligence officers.