Journalists in Syria and Palestine are subjected to deliberate and systematic targeting
The Syrian Journalists Association reiterated its commitment to the necessity of consolidating free and honest journalism as a fundamental means to enhance transparency, democracy, and human rights in Syria and to restore civil peace. However, the current reality of press freedom in Syria is deeply concerning, with journalists and media professionals facing ongoing threats and violence.
In a statement on the World Press Freedom Day, the Association stated that the profession of journalism in Syria continues to face immense challenges. Journalists are subjected to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and even murder, according to the Association’s annual report for 2023, in which the Syrian Center for Journalistic Freedoms documented 35 violations, adding to more than 1511 violations since 2011, without the perpetrators of these crimes being held accountable, particularly the Syrian regime, responsible for serious violations that pose a serious threat to press freedom and human rights in Syria.
The Association renewed its call to all parties to the conflict in Syria and all concerned parties to immediately cease all forms of violence and threats against journalists, ensuring their safety, protection, and respect for their right to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation, as protecting journalists is protecting the truth.
The Association called on the international community and international human rights organizations to increase pressure on the Syrian regime and the parties controlling the situation in Syria to ensure the protection of journalists and to provide a safe environment for their work. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists detained for performing their journalistic duties.
Furthermore, the Association reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting and protecting the rights of journalists in Syria, emphasizing that it will continue to work tirelessly to achieve press freedom and provide a safe and conducive environment for journalism in Syria. At the same time, it declared its solidarity with journalists worldwide, particularly journalists in Palestine who are subjected to deliberate and systematic targeting.
