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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The recent arrest of a veteran Kurdish journalist by the Syrian interim authorities in Damascus has sparked widespread outrage among international and local rights groups and political parties. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Hassan Zaza, the editor-in-chief of Noos Social media outlet, was arrested in Damascus on Friday for unknown reasons and taken to an unknown location, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPT).
'The secret detention of journalist Hassan Zaza, without any explanation from Syrian officials, reflects a nationwide pattern of press intimidation,' Sara Qudah, CPJ's regional director, was cited as saying in a CPJ statement on Monday. '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 detention to the CPJ, stating that it was related to "security concerns" and that it had nothing to do with his journalistic work. He added that if Zaza is not found guilty, he could be freed this week.
Several Syrian rights groups and political parties have condemned Zaza's arrest.
The Kurdish-held autonomous administration in north and East Syria (Rojava) said in a statement on Saturday that Zaza's arrest is a "clear violation" of international human rights.
"We consider this action an assault on press freedoms," it added, calling for his immediate release.
Kurdistan Democratic Party of Syria, Syrian Kurdish Journalists Network, and Free Media Union were among political parties and rights groups condemning the arrest of Zaza.
Zaza was a senior member of Free Media Union.
'We still have no information about his whereabouts or the reason for his arrest,' Avin Ibrahim, co-chair of the Rojava-based Free Media Union, 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.'
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