CPJ welcomes release of journalist in Syria

New York, March 5, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of freelance journalist Billy Six, held by Syrian authorities for two and a half months. Syrian authorities handed Six over to Russian diplomats today who helped him leave the country.

“We are relieved that Billy Six has been released safely and can return home,” said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. “Our hope is the families of all journalists missing and kidnapped in Syria will soon have reason to celebrate as well. We call on all parties to assist in finding and releasing all missing journalists in Syria.”

At least seven journalists are currently missing or kidnapped in Syria, including American freelancers Austin Tice and James Foley. Six had been on assignment for the German weekly Junge Freiheit, which did not publicize his disappearance.