CPJ demands transparency as German reporter confirmed detained in Syria

Beirut, April 27, 2026 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls on Syrian authorities to provide immediate and transparent information on the detention of German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann and the continued enforced disappearance of Kurdish-Turkish journalist Ahmed Polad, who sources say is being held in a Syrian detention facility. Despite confirmation from Michelmann’s family and the German government that she is in Syrian custody, officials continue to deny to CPJ any knowledge of the detention.

The two journalists, who worked for Istanbul-based socialist Etkin News Agency (ETHA) and Özgür TV, which operates across several cities in Europe, were last seen on January 18, 2026, when witnessed reported they were forced into a Syrian government vehicle during the takeover of Raqqa amid military operations against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). For months, Michelmann’s family was unaware of their fate or whereabouts, with authorities providing no information. 

This month, Syrian authorities acknowledged that Michelmann is in their custody, according to her family and lawyer Roland Meister, who said a German government representative visited her at a detention facility in Damascus on April 23.

When contacted by CPJ, a source from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said: “following intensive and high-level efforts through various channels, we gained direct access to Ms. Michelmann last Thursday and will now continue to provide her with consular assistance.”

Authorities have reportedly initiated criminal proceedings, though the legal basis, charges, and responsible authority remain unclear.

Meister and Avin Ibrahim, the co-chair of the Free Media Union in northeast Syria, said they have received information that Polad is being held in a detention facility in the northern city of Aleppo. A released SDF fighter reported sharing a cell with him, and said the journalist had been injured and received medical treatment but was last seen in stable condition.

“The Syrian government’s lack of transparency regarding the detention and whereabouts of journalists Eva Maria Michelmann and Ahmed Polad is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about press freedom in Syria,” said Joud Hasan, CPJ’s Levant Program Coordinator. “Authorities must immediately clarify their legal status, ensure their safety, and grant them access to legal counsel and family members.”

CPJ contacted multiple Syrian officials at the Ministry of Information and Aleppo governor’s office, who said they had no information about the detention of the two journalists. The organization also emailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and reached out to officials from the Ministry of Interior, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.