RSF calls for immediate release of journalist detained in NW Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on Tuesday for the immediate release of a freelance journalist detained by Turkish forces in northwest Syria.
Bakr al-Qassem was taken to a detention center in Hawar Kilis, located 50 kilometers north of the city of al-Bab. He has been denied access to a lawyer and visitors, according to the RSF.
The Turkish-backed Military Police arrested al-Qassem and his wife, Nabeha Taha, while returning home and then handed him over to the Turkish intelligence who transferred him to Turkish territory.
“RSF condemns the arbitrary detention of freelance journalists Bakr al-Qassem and Nabiha Taha by local authorities in the town of al-Bab. While Nabiha Taha was released yesterday, Baqr al-Qassem is still locked up, according to our information,” Jonathan Dagher, Head of RSF’s Middle East Desk said.
The journalist, who works with Anadolu Agency and AFP, was initially taken to the Military Police branch in al-Bab. His wife a reporter for Aleppo Today, was released after about an hour.
Al-Qassem’s house was searched and some documents, equipment, and personal items were confiscated according to Taha.
“We call on the local authorities and all parties involved in his arrest to release him immediately and return the confiscated equipment. The harassment of journalists in Syria must stop,” Dagher added.
Moreover, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also urged al-Qassem’s immediate release after being transferred to the custody of Turkish intelligence.
“We are deeply concerned that Syrian opposition factions detained journalist Bakr al-Kassem without explanation and transferred him to Turkish intelligence custody,” said Yeganeh Rezaian, CPJ’s interim MENA program coordinator, in Washington, D.C.
Since the start of the Syrian conflict, northwestern Syria has been controlled by Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, unified under the Syrian National Army (SNA) since 2017.