A local journalist working with international news agencies was arrested by Turkish-backed authorities in rebel-held northwestern Syria. The arrest of the journalist, who has contributed to Agence France-Presse and Anadolu Agency, has sparked concerns among journalists and activists in the region.
The journalist was reportedly taken into custody in al-Bab city in northern Aleppo province. Reports indicate that he was subjected to physical violence during the arrest and is facing charges related to his journalistic activities.
His wife, who was with him at the time of the arrest, was briefly detained before being released following protests from journalists and residents. The journalist is currently being held by Turkish-backed authorities in a village along the border with Turkey, and his exact whereabouts are unknown.
International news agencies, including AFP, have called for the immediate release of the journalist and for him to be allowed to resume his work freely. Activists and journalists in northwestern Syria are planning a protest to demand the release of the detained journalist and others who have been arbitrarily arrested.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists and activists in the last rebel bastion in war-torn Syria. Idlib province is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, while northern Aleppo province is under the control of Turkish-backed forces.
