6 journalists killed, 20 arrested in Syria during 2022
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Free Media Union of northeastern Syria said on Tuesday that six journalists have lost their lives, and 20 others have been arrested across the country in 2022.
The Free Media Union released these statistics in their annual report, which described the media situation in Syria as a “nightmare” due to pressure, violations and threats from several internal and external parties.
In 2022, two journalists were killed in areas held by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), three in the Syrian government-held areas, and one other in the opposition-held areas. Three others were injured, the report added.
Twenty journalists were arrested in all Syrian regions, according to the report.
Syria ranks sixth globally and first in the Arab world in number of detained journalists, according to statistics issued by a number of human rights organizations this year, including Reporters Without Borders.
The report of the Free Media Union also mentioned violations against journalists in the AANES-held areas, which varied between verbal altercations and abuses during work, and attacks by unknown parties on journalists.
The Free Media Union advocates for journalists’ and media institutions’ rights, ensuring the freedom of opinion and expression for media professionals in areas run by the AANES.