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December 6, 2024 – Syria –
The recent killing of two Syrian journalists near the town of Al-Hari in eastern Hama has ignited international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability in one of the world’s most dangerous countries for media workers. The bodies of the two men, both correspondents for local press outlets, were discovered on December 5, 2024, showing signs of execution-style killings. Their identities have not yet been publicly released due to ongoing family notifications, but the circumstances of their deaths point toward targeted violence.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) swiftly condemned the murders, describing them as part of a persistent and systematic campaign to silence independent journalism in Syria. RSF has demanded a full, transparent, and internationally monitored investigation into the killings. The organization stressed that relying solely on local authorities—who have a history of complicity or inaction in such cases—would not ensure justice.
The journalists were reportedly working on stories related to human rights violations and local corruption—topics that have historically placed reporters at high risk in Syria. RSF noted that the nature of the attack echoes previous patterns used throughout the Syrian civil war to suppress press freedom through violence and intimidation.
The SCM emphasized the broader implications of the murders, arguing that these killings reinforce a climate of fear that deters others from reporting on critical issues. Anadolu Agency echoed these concerns, quoting RSF’s description of the attack as a “continuation of a campaign of violence” against the press.
Syria ranks among the deadliest places in the world for journalists. More than 280 journalists have been killed since 2011, and dozens remain imprisoned or missing. Impunity remains rampant, with no meaningful investigations conducted in most cases.
Human rights organizations are urging the United Nations and international human rights bodies to intervene and pressure Syrian authorities to permit an independent inquiry. As the conflict drags on and repression deepens, the killings serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for international mechanisms to protect journalists and uphold freedom of the press.
Reference –
https://rsf.org/en/syria-rsf-and-scm-condemn-murders-two-press-correspondents
