Urgent Appeal to Save the Freedom of Expression in Syria

It is sad and worrying that the Syrian government and its security branches continue to practice brutal media censorship. Human rights activists and journalists are tried, indicted, and jailed because of articles they have published.

There has recently been alarming changes in the behavior of the Syrian security forces, such as the unprecedented shooting and killing of protesters, in addition to arresting journalists who happen to be covering these protests.

Mr. Karam Ibrahim Yousef, a Syrian journalist and writer, was shot in the head while taking pictures of the national Kurdish celebrations (Nawroz) in the city of Qamishli. Karam's health situation is critical, and he is recurrently losing consciousness. If he survives, he will have to deal with security interrogations, aggravation, and possible imprisonment.

We, the members of 'Journalistes sans press' appeal to international organizations that are committed to defending freedom of expression and freedom of the press, to stand by Syrian journalists and support them in their struggle. We urgently call for assistance in protecting these journalists from the aggressions of Syrian security forces.