Hediye Yusif and Mensur Selim
Co-chairs, Democratic Federation of Northern Syria
Via email: fedrasyon.rojava@gmail.com
Dear Chairwoman Yusif, Chairman Selim,
We at the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent press freedom advocacy organization, write to urge that you instruct the Kurdish forces under your control to release Barzan Hussein Liani, a journalist whom members of the Asayish security force detained more than a month and a half ago.
Liani, a journalist with Zagros TV, was detained by Asayish forces outside Rmeilan in the Syrian region of Cizire Canton, on May 13 as he tried to return to his home. The station director for Zagros TV told CPJ that witnesses said they saw a patrol stop Liani’s car and escort the journalist back into the town, where he is now being detained.
Massoud Akko, a journalist who is closely covering the case and who has been in touch with the journalist’s family and employer, told CPJ no charge or reason for Liani’s detention has been made public, and the journalist has been allowed only one brief visit from his wife.
CPJ is concerned about Liani’s health, safety, and well-being. Both the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria and authorities governing the Cizire Canton, should work to secure Liani’s immediate release and allow the journalist’s lawyer and family to contact him.
We look forward to your reply regarding this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Courtney Radsch,
Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists
C.C.
Abdülkerim Saruhan and Hayfa Arabo, co-chairs, Cizire Canton