UNESCO denounces killing of media employee in drone strike in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UNESCO denounced on Monday the killing of a media employee in a Turkish drone strike on Aug. 23, in northeastern Syria and demanded an investigation into the attack to hold perpetrators accountable.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated “I deplore the killing of Najm el-Din Faisal Haj Sinan. I reiterate my call to the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in situations of armed conflict, in compliance with UNSC Resolution 2222. I urge them to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice.”
On August 23, a Turkish drone targeted a car transporting journalists of the all-female JIN TV channel in the city of Qamishli, killing driver Najm al-Din Faisal Haj Sinan and injuring journalist Dalila Agid.
UNESCO’s statement noted they promote “the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.”
Media Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has documented the killing of six journalists in different areas of Syria since the beginning of 2023.