Women's Media Union condemns assault on journalists in Jalabiya, demands protection of press freedom

The Women's Media Union (YRJ) strongly condemned the temporary government officials in the town of Jalabiya for preventing female and male journalists from performing their professional duties in documenting the popular protests that erupted following the appointment of a new mayor. The union considered this an infringement on the residents' right to manage their own affairs and choose their representatives.

The Women's Media Union (YRJ) strongly condemned the prevention by elements of the interim government in the town of Jalabiya of female and male journalists from performing their professional duties in documenting popular protests, which erupted following the appointment of a new mayor, considering this a violation of the residents' right to manage their own affairs and choose their representatives.

The union clarified in a statement published on its official website that it followed with concern and condemnation the events of Thursday, where the people of Kobani city and Jalabiya town took to the streets in a peaceful protest to express their legitimate demands for self-administration of their institutions and to reject the forced appointment decisions.

The statement indicated that the systematic repression was not limited to targeting the protesters, but also included the female and male journalists present in the field to cover the events, including preventing them from reporting and attempting to confiscate their equipment with the aim of concealing the truth from the public.

The union strongly condemned these practices, viewing the targeting of female journalists in particular as an attempt to undermine the role of women in conveying the truth, in addition to being a violation of press freedom.

The statement called on human rights and international organizations concerned with media freedom to intervene to stop the violations against journalistic personnel, affirming that journalistic work reflects reality and should not be treated as an enemy.

The Women's Media Union also announced its solidarity with all journalists who have been subjected to these violations, praising their resilience, and reaffirming its commitment to continuing media work, conveying the truth, and supporting the community's demands for freedom and self-administration.

ANHA