Journalist Kindi Al‑Adai Found Dead in Deir Ezzor Home After Detention

August 3, 2025 – Syria –

Syrian journalist and activist Kindi Al‑Adai was found dead inside his home in the Al‑Jourah neighbourhood of Deir Ezzor on August 3, 2025. His body was discovered hanging, with visible signs of beating and torture, according to local sources. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious concerns about state involvement and the targeting of critical voices in Syria.

Al‑Adai had recently returned to Syria from Germany, where he had been living in exile. He was widely known as a prominent voice since the early days of the Syrian revolution in 2011, frequently appearing in media under his real name and publicly expressing critical views. Just 20 days before his death, Al‑Adai was detained by the General Security forces without any formal charges. He was released soon afterwards, and no official explanation was given for either his arrest or his release.

Sources close to the case reported that his detention came shortly after he posted critical commentary on social media, questioning political and security developments in Syria. Though authorities have not stated his death, activists believe it may have been politically motivated.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented a troubling rise in extrajudicial killings and retaliatory violence throughout 2025. Al‑Adai is among nine individuals reportedly killed in Deir Ezzor since the beginning of the year, and the only journalist. Across the country, at least 906 people have been killed in similar circumstances, including women and children, often based on sectarian affiliation or perceived dissent.

Al‑Adai’s death has sparked outrage among Syrian activists and press freedom defenders, who are calling for an independent investigation. His killing underscores the persistent dangers faced by journalists in Syria, particularly those who return from exile and continue to speak out against injustice.

References –

https://www.syriahr.com/en/367139/