The Kidnappings of Journalists and Human Rights Activists

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

December 11, 2013

Masked men stormed into the office of The Human Rights Violation Documentation Center (VDC) in the city of Douma, rural Damascus, on Tuesday, December 10, and kidnapped members of the team while at work, including activist Razan Zeitouneh, Wael Hamada, Nazim al-Hamadi, and Samira al-Khalil.

Many journalists and activists have been kidnapped in different areas across Syria; the latest incident was the abduction of two Spanish journalists under unknown circumstances.

The Syrian Coalition condemns the kidnapping of journalists and human rights activists and holds the kidnappers responsible for the safety of the kidnapped victims. The Syrian Coalition and the General Staff of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) reiterate their commitment to exerting all efforts necessary to secure the release of all kidnapped persons and provide protection to journalists and human rights activists operating in Syria.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.