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 SJU, there 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 28, Syrian 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.