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May 01, 2025 – Syria –
Syrian authorities have confirmed the mistaken detention of journalists Akram Saleh and Judy Haj Ali, who were briefly held while covering unrest in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a suburb southwest of Damascus. The journalists, affiliated with Iraq-based Channel 8, lost contact with their team on the evening of April 30, 2025, amid ongoing clashes in the area.
The Syrian Ministry of Information issued a statement acknowledging the incident, clarifying that the detention was not intentional. The journalists were reportedly released after 24 hours, and their equipment was returned. The Ministry expressed regret over the misunderstanding and emphasized the importance of protecting journalists working in conflict zones.
The Free Media Union, a journalists’ syndicate based in northeastern Syria, had previously raised alarm over the journalists’ disappearance, calling on relevant authorities to disclose their whereabouts. The Union welcomed the confirmation of their release and reiterated the need for enhanced protection measures for journalists operating in Syria.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in conflict areas, where the line between legitimate reporting and perceived security threats can be blurred. While the journalists’ detention was brief, it underscores the ongoing risks to press freedom and the safety of media professionals in volatile regions.
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