Two years: no word on missing Alhurra correspondent
Springfield, Va. — As journalists continue to risk their lives daily reporting from conflict zones such as Syria, Iraq and Ukraine, Alhurra Television marks two years since correspondent Bashar Fahmi went missing in Aleppo, Syria. The Alhurra correspondent was reporting from Aleppo on Aug. 20, 2012, when a firefight broke out. There has been no word regarding Fahmi’s whereabouts or well-being since his disappearance two years ago.
“No one could have imagined that two years after that tragic day, there would still be no word about Bashar. This has been incredibly trying for Bashar’s wife Arzu and their children, as well as his Alhurra family. I implore anyone with information about Bashar to come forward,” stated Brian Conniff, President of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) that oversees and manages Alhurra Television. “We condemn attacks on any journalist. These are dedicated professionals who are reporting in difficult situations and Bashar’s trip to Aleppo was no exception.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists states that approximately 25 journalists are currently missing in Syria, including Americans Austin Tice and James Foley.