The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls on Syrian authorities to disclose the reason for the detention of Kurdish journalist Hassan Zaza, who was taken from his home by security forces to an unknown location early on Friday.

“The secret detention of journalist Hassan Zaza, without any explanation from Syrian officials, reflects a nationwide pattern of press intimidation,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “Syrian authorities must immediately disclose Zaza’s whereabouts, ensure his safety, and drop any charges related to his journalistic activities.”

Mohammad Al-Saleh, Director of Press Relations at Syria’s Ministry of Information, confirmed Zaza’s arrest in the capital Damascus. He told CPJ that it was “related to security concerns and not connected to his journalistic work,” but he was not authorized to share further details as the matter was under investigation.

“If nothing is found, he will likely be released this week,” Al-Saleh said via messaging app.

Zaza is the owner and editor-in-chief of Noos Social news site, a senior member of Syria’s Free Media Union, and the Syrian representative of the International Federation of Arab Journalists.

After December’s overthrow of long-ruling President Bashar al-Assad, Zaza returned to Damascus from northeast Syria, which is under the control of Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The group has since agreed to integrate with Syria’s new government.  Zaza also worked with the Ronahi TV.

“We still have no information about his whereabouts or the reason for his arrest,” Avin Ibrahim, co-chair of the Free Media Union in northeast Syria, told CPJ. “The Syrian government bears full responsibility for the safety of our detained colleague Hassan Zaza, as well as any journalist who may be at risk in the future. These ongoing violations against journalists must end.”

Photo: Hawar News Agency