Syria: TV reporter detained in Al Hasakah

Fadil Hammad, a reporter for state broadcaster Syria TV was arrested by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on April 24 following his reporting on the growing tensions between the SDF and the Syrian army in the northeastern city of Al Hasakah. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Syrian Journalists Union (SJU) condemn the arrest and the systematic harassment and attacks on Syrian journalists in areas under SDF control.

A fighter with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard on a hilltop overlooking the village of Baghouz. Credits: DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP

The reporter was released later the same night after being questioned over his reporting on the conflict between the SDF and the Syrian army.

According to the SJUthere are two journalists being held by the SDF: Mohammed Tawfiq Alsaghair, reporter of Syrian News TV, and Khalid Alhasan, a reporter for Al Manar TV. Both have been in prison without charge since June 2019.

The SJU has condemned the SDF's systematic harassment and attacks against journalists. On January 28Syrian television cameraman Tamir Al Hammad was assaulted during an attempted kidnap by personnel from the SDF.

The IFJ has urged all parties to ensure that journalists have the right to work safely without fear of being arrested or assaulted and urged the SDF to stop intimidating and harassing journalists working in the areas under their control.

For further information contact IFJ Middle East & Arab World on +32 (0) 2 235 22 11

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

Find the Middle East and Arab World IFJ regional office on Twitter (in Arab): @IFJ_AR