Syrian journalist missing after arrest on Iraqi Kurdistan border
Beirut, November 1, 2023—Iraqi Kurdish authorities should immediately reveal the whereabouts of Syrian journalist Sleman Mohammed Ahmed, unconditionally release him, and stop harassing journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On October 25, Ahmed—an Arabic editor for the local news website RojNews—was arrested by Iraqi Kurdish authorities at the northern Faysh Khabur border and…
Driver killed, journalist severely injured by suspected Turkish drone strike in Syria
Beirut, August 25, 2023—Turkish authorities should immediately and thoroughly investigate a recent drone attack in Syria that killed a driver and injured a journalist, determine if they were targeted for their work, and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Wednesday, August 23, a suspected Turkish drone strike in…
Syria revokes accreditation of 2 BBC journalists
Beirut, July 10, 2023 – Syria’s Ministry of Information must reverse its decision to revoke the accreditation of two BBC journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On July 8, the ministry said it had canceled the accreditation of two local journalists working for the BBC over “false” and “politicized” reporting, according to a…
People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists Convicts Mexico, Sri Lanka and Syria
The Hague, September 20, 2022 – The independent panel of judges of the People’s Tribunal pronounced its judgment yesterday in a trio of cases of murdered journalists. The unanimous verdict concluded that “throughout their acts and omissions including the lack of investigations, the lack of reparation to the victims, and full impunity, the states of…
Rudaw reporter Barzan Ferman detained in northern Syria
Washington, D.C., August 3, 2022 – Authorities in northern Syria should immediately release journalist Barzan Ferman and reverse their suspension of the Rudaw Media Network’s license, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. At about noon on Tuesday, August 2, forces affiliated with the Democratic Union Party, the political party in power in the Autonomous Administration…
MEDIA ADVISORY: The People’s Tribunal Convenes in The Hague to Bring Justice to Murdered Syrian and Sri Lankan Journalists
The Hague, May 10, 2022 – On May 12-17, the People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists will convene in The Hague to hear oral arguments and witness testimony in the murder cases of two journalists, one Sri Lankan and one Syrian, whose cases have become emblematic of impunity for crimes against the press in…
Security forces detain 2 more journalists in northern Syria
Washington, D.C., February 22, 2022 – Authorities in northern Syria should immediately release Ahmed Sofi, Dara Abdo, and all other members of the press detained for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On Saturday, February 19, forces affiliated with the Democratic Party Union, the political party in power in the Autonomous Administration…
Syrian journalist Kenan Waqaf in hiding after security forces seek his arrest
New York, February 11, 2022 – Syrian government authorities should stop pursuing journalist Kenan Waqaf and cease harassing and detaining members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. In the early morning of February 6, Waqaf posted a video to his Facebook account saying that he had gone into hiding after heavily…
Security forces in northern Syria detain 2 journalists
Washington, D.C., February 10, 2022 – Kurdish security forces in northern Syria should immediately release journalists Sabri Fakhri and Bawar Malla Ahmad, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Saturday, February 5, soldiers affiliated with the Democratic Party Union, the political party in power in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s regional…
Northeast Syrian authorities assault Rudaw news crew, suspend network’s licenses
Washington, D.C., February 9, 2022 – Northeast Syrian authorities must reverse their suspension of Rudaw Media Network’s broadcast license and the license of all their employees, stop attacks and harassment of its staff, and allow all journalists to work freely and safely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On February 2, Asayish security forces…