11 Jan 12 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
A journalist from France 2 TV was reportedly killed and another wounded today in an attack in the Syrian city of Homs. The rocket-propelled grenade blast killed journalist Gilles Jacquier during a pro-government rally, which also resulted in the deaths of eight civilians according to a state-owned television station. The attack came on the same day that a member of the Arab League group sent to monitor the country’s peace plan resigned, claiming the mission was a “farce”. According to the UN, 400 people have been killed in Syria since the humanitarian mission began in late December.
04 Jan 12 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
A Syrian journalist with gunshot wounds in the head died on 2 January after three days in a Damascus hospital. Shukri Ahmed Ratib Abu Burghul was reportedly shot in the face deliberately on 30 December after hosting his weekly programme on Radio Damascus. Burghul was also deputy director of the censorship department of Al-Thawra, a state-owned newspaper.
19 Dec 11 | Index Index, minipost
Detained Syrian blogger Razan Ghazzawi was released on bail yesterday. Razan was arrested at the at the Syrian border with Jordan on December 5, and was released by authorities after spending 15 days in prison. The blogger’s sister, Nadine, tweeted the details of her freedom: “It’s raining Razans… hallelujah :)))))))) <3 It’s official, sis is out! hopefully the same goes to all arrested sisters and brothers.”
Ghazzawi was charged with “establishing an organisation that aims to change the social and economical entity of the state” and “weakening the national sentiment, and trying to ignite sectarian strife.”
13 Dec 11 | Index Index, minipost
US born Syrian blogger Razan Ghazzawi has been charged by authorities following her arrest eight days ago. Razan was arrested by Syrian officials at the country’s border with Jordan border whilst attempting to attend a conference for advocates of free press in the Arab world in Amman, Jordan. The blogger has been charged with “establishing an organisation that aims to change the social and economical entity of the state,” “weakening the national sentiment,” and trying to ignite sectarian strife” all of which can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.
