Journalists disappear in Syria as Damascus suppresses accounts of sectarian attacks, report finds

Journalism in Syria continues to face severe suppression, with journalists being killed and disappearing despite some improvements under the transitional government, according to a report by the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression. The report highlights that at least nine journalists have been killed in connection with their work over the past five years, with six of these fatalities occurring after the fall of the Assad regime.

Several of the killings involved journalists covering military confrontations related to the regime change or unrest in the Sweida Governorate. Many of these journalists were clearly identifiable as members of the press, wearing vests and helmets or traveling in marked vehicles. However, those who reported the killings to the center were unaware of any prompt, effective, independent, or publicly disclosed investigations into their deaths.

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These practices raise concerns regarding transparency, media access, and the ability of independent journalists to document events of public interest during the transitional period.

The report also details the case of Alaa Mohammed, a journalist from the Alawite minority, who was killed in his home, believed to be due to his political commentary. His death, and the frequent attacks on the Alawite minority since the fall of the Assad regime, particularly in March 2025, were neither adequately investigated nor condemned by the transitional government, the center asserted.

In addition to killings, journalists have faced arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, often linked to their coverage of sectarian violence. International media coverage of sectarian issues has also been heavily restricted, with Syrian authorities reportedly sealing off areas affected by attacks and preventing foreign journalists from accessing them. This lack of access forces media to rely on phone interviews, raising concerns about transparency and the ability of independent journalists to document events of public interest.

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They also appear inconsistent with public statements by representatives of the Transitional Government emphasizing openness toward international media and a commitment to facilitating journalists' work in Syria.