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October 11, 2025 – Syria –
A veteran war photographer, Jonathan Alpeyrie, shared harrowing details of his abduction in Syria, revealing that militants he had been documenting ultimately betrayed him and “sold” him as a hostage at a checkpoint.
Alpeyrie, who had covered major conflict zones including Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine, described how he had once been filming militants when they turned against him. Despite having visible “PRESS” credentials, his captors handed him over to other armed actors who detained him.
He recounted that the betrayal occurred during a routine filming assignment. After being escorted or exchanged at a checkpoint, Alpeyrie found himself held like merchandise rather than treated as a professional journalist. Throughout his career, he had already been wounded and kidnapped before, reinforcing the perilous nature of frontline reporting.
The BBC also reported on the case, highlighting how his story underscores the blurred lines in conflicts between reporting and perceived collaboration. The report emphasized the deeper risks faced by journalists operating in war zones, where even visibly marked media can face hostility or betrayal.
This incident carries broader implications: it serves as a warning that journalists are often vulnerable not just to crossfire but to manipulation, targeting, and exploitation. Alpeyrie’s experience calls for stronger protection and accountability, reminding us that preserving truth in conflict comes with immense personal risk.
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