S. African photojournalist kidnapped in Syria

Gunmen had pledged to release journalist, but 4 days later he is still being held, says relief group official

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - A South African photojournalist has been kidnapped in Syria near the Turkish border, a relief organization said Saturday.

The Gift of the Givers foundation said Shiraaz Mohamed was kidnapped Tuesday together with their two drivers when their vehicle was stopped.

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers told local television eNCA that the drivers were later released.

He said he was told the gunmen said they would release Mohammed after questioning him, but four days later he is still being held.

South African citizens have resorted to social media networking sites to appeal for his safe release.

South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said they will deal with the matter.

Syria tops among the deadliest countries for press members to work in, with 14 journalists killed only in 2016 out of a total of 48 across the world, according to New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Kaynak:

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