Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
May 3, 2024
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) acknowledges the crucial role of the free press, which emerged at the outset of the Freedom and Dignity Revolution in Syria in 2011. This press fearlessly reported the facts, demands, and aspirations of Syrians with courage and integrity, exposing the violations and war crimes perpetrated by the tyrannical Assad regime against innocent civilians and peaceful activists from the inception of the revolution.
The SOC commends the contributions of free Syrian and international media institutions, as well as the dedication of Syrian, Arab, and foreign media professionals who diligently monitored events and reported facts that the Assad regime sought to conceal from the world.
The SOC pays tribute to the fallen Syrian journalists, the heroes of freedom, who bravely and steadfastly conveyed the demands and aspirations of Syrians to the global community since the revolution’s inception. These journalists documented the war crimes and violations committed by the regime, despite facing persecution, arrest, and even murder. The regime’s attempts to obfuscate and distort the truth resulted in the deaths of at least 700 Syrian journalists and approximately nine non-Syrian journalists who sought to report on Syria to the world. Additionally, hundreds of journalists remain in detention.
On this occasion, the SOC calls upon the international community to hold the Assad regime accountable for its crimes against Syrians, including journalists. It highlights the regime’s flagrant disregard for international laws and norms that advocate for the protection of journalists and the preservation of freedom of expression. The regime’s exploitation of impunity has only intensified its brutality and perpetuated violations against journalists, fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation that impedes their work and stifles independent media in areas under its control.
The SOC underscores that the Syria envisioned by Syrians, for which they continue to fight, hinges upon fair journalism and freedom of expression as fundamental pillars. It expresses solidarity with free Syrian journalists who persist in reporting the truth from all corners of Syria, rejecting any infringements that obstruct their work. The SOC emphasizes their positive and indispensable role in shaping Syria’s present and future.
