YRA confirms loss of contact with journalists Akram Saleh and Judy Haj Ali in Damascus countryside

The Free Media Union (YRA) announced today that contact with journalists Akram Saleh and Judy Haj Ali was lost while they were covering events in the town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside, after Damascus government forces took control of the town following bloody clashes.

In a statement, the union expressed its deep concern and called on the relevant authorities to immediately reveal the fate of the missing journalists. It stated: "Contact was lost with our colleagues, journalists Akram Saleh and photographer Judy Haj Ali, while they were covering the ongoing events in the town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside, after the Damascus government's General Security took control of the town following bloody clashes."

The Union confirmed with concern that it was following the loss of contact with the two colleagues and called on the relevant authorities to immediately reveal their fate.

The Media Union stated: "We call on international organizations concerned with protecting journalists to assume their responsibilities by revealing the fate of our colleagues Akram Saleh and Judy Haj Ali, and to work to protect journalists in Syria in general and ensure conditions for the free practice of journalism. This is because the situation has become dangerous and threatens the safety and security of all journalists. We also affirm that the Damascus government is responsible for the safety of our two missing colleagues, and the violations against journalists must stop."

Sh-S

ANHA