YRJ condemns threats against NUJINHA correspondent in Aleppo

The Women’s Media Union (YRJ) called on the relevant authorities to enforce legal provisions protecting journalists and ensuring freedom of speech and expression without fear or threats. This follows threats against the NUJINHA correspondent in Aleppo, as well as attacks on women she had interviewed, carried out by unknown individuals.

In a statement, the Women’s Media Union declared:

"Media is a noble profession with a mission to promote ethical values. It plays a crucial role in raising awareness, encouraging people to uphold moral principles, highlighting the realities of society, and exposing elements that undermine its values and foundations.

With modern media advancements, only a few outlets adhere to the principles of true journalism aimed at building a cohesive society based on mutual respect. Genuine media remains the most vital platform for shaping ideas and knowledge.

However, most media outlets in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, have fallen under the control of authorities and ruling powers. There are also efforts to silence independent media platforms that amplify the pain, suffering, aspirations, and hopes of the people. These platforms face harassment, threats, and even direct killings. A clear example is the recent threat against NUJINHA's correspondent in Aleppo, targeted for her coverage of women's issues in Syria.

The Women’s News Agency (NUJINHA) operates on the principle of women's freedom and struggle, shedding light on the pressures and restrictions imposed on women in Syria and the broader Middle East.

Threatening NUJINHA’s correspondent is not just an attack on the truth but also an attempt to instill fear among Syrian women.

Journalism in Syria today faces immense challenges, including intimidation, the rise of hate speech, and direct attacks against journalists and media workers. The recent attacks at Tishrin Dam have made it clear that journalists' lives are in constant danger. On December 19, 2024, the Turkish occupation targeted our colleague, ANHA news correspondent Cîhan Bilgin, and journalist Nazim Dashtan with a drone strike while they were covering the resistance at Tishrin Dam in Syria.

According to international conventions and treaties, these crimes and threats against journalists constitute violations of human rights. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulates the protection of freedom of expression for all, emphasizes the necessity of creating conditions for its effective practice, and acknowledges this right as fundamental to the progress of democratic societies governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Therefore, we at the Women’s Media Union (YRJ) strongly condemn these crimes and threats against our colleagues. We call for the enforcement of Article 3 on journalist safety from the International Covenant, which states: ‘State parties commit to taking all feasible measures to prevent threats, violence, and attacks on the lives and physical safety of journalists and other media professionals.’

Furthermore, the article urges states to implement necessary measures to protect journalists and media workers facing imminent threats, including establishing a mechanism for the rapid collection and dissemination of information regarding threats and attacks on journalists among law enforcement agencies.”

A-H

ANHA