Siria - Journalists union fails to support journalists (2010)

Dozens of journalists and writers have been prosecuted under draconian legislation in the past few years. In June 2009, shortly after the May release of the prominent journalist and intellectual, Michel Kilo, who spent three years in jail for “threatening national sentiment” and “inciting sectarian strife”, another prominent journalist denounced the official journalist union for failing to protect the rights of journalists. Following publication of a controversial story of official corruption, the journalist Maya Jamous was summoned several times for questioning by security officials, who warned her against publishing such stories. However, many journalists state that the Journalists’ Union, the only legal organisation representing media professionals, fails to defend colleagues who have problems with the authorities including Michel Kilo.