Syrian Journalist Mahmoud Ibrahim Detained for Social Media Posts Supporting Protests

May 17, 2024 – Syria –

Syrian regime forces arrested Mahmoud Ibrahim, an editor at the state-run Al-Thawra newspaper, in Tartus after he attended a court hearing. He was detained following a Facebook post expressing solidarity with peaceful protests in Suwayda, a southwestern city where demonstrators voiced opposition to the Assad regime and economic conditions.

The charges, brought under the 2022 Anti-Cybercrime Law, include “supporting an armed rebellion,” “undermining the prestige of the state,” and “violating the constitution”. Since his arrest, Ibrahim has been held incommunicado at an undisclosed location, with no updates given to his family regarding his health or legal proceedings. He reportedly requires ongoing medication for chronic conditions, raising concerns about his treatment in custody.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded Ibrahim’s immediate release, urging Syrian authorities to inform his family of his whereabouts and ensure his access to medical care. CPJ Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna stated: “Syrian authorities must inform Ibrahim’s family of his whereabouts, grant him access to medical care, and release him…”

The Syrian Network for Human Rights echoed CPJ’s concern, highlighting how broadly defined anti-cybercrime regulations are employed to suppress any form of peaceful expression. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observer described Ibrahim’s detention as a “price for solidarity,” noting state security involvement and fears over his well-being.

Ibrahim’s case reflects a broader pattern of repression in Syria, where even journalists working for state-controlled media are vulnerable if they express support for dissent. His detention follows the regime’s tightening control, particularly amid expanding protests in southern Syria during 2023 and early 2024 .

Press freedom advocates criticize the regime’s use of vaguely defined legal provisions as tools for silencing voices and journalists, regardless of their political alignment. Ibrahim’s disappearance remains unresolved, and unless he is released and treated fairly, his case will remain another disturbing example of the Assad government’s systematic crackdown on free expression.

Reference – 

https://news.snhr.org/2024/02/26/journalist-mahmoud-ibrhaim-arrested-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-tartus-city-february-25-2024/

Journalist Mahmoud Ibrahim’s Arrest: A Price for Solidarity with Suweyda

Syrian journalist Mahmoud Ibrahim arrested after post on anti-Assad protests – Committee to Protect Journalists