Committee to Protect Journalists Urges Release of Missing German Journalist in Syria Amid Health Concerns
A German journalist, Eva Maria Michelmann, has been missing in Syria for over three months and is believed to be detained in a Damascus prison. Her lawyer, Frank Jasenski, has expressed concerns about her deteriorating health and is demanding her immediate release. Michelmann, who was last seen on January 18, was reportedly detained along with her Kurdish-Turkish colleague, Ahmed Polad, by Syrian government forces during military operations in Raqqa. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Syrian authorities to provide transparent information regarding their detention and to ensure their safety. The Berlin-based Kurdish human rights organization HAWAR.help has also demanded Michelmann's release and access to independent medical and legal support. The German foreign ministry has confirmed contact with Michelmann but has not disclosed details about her condition or location due to privacy concerns.