BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian authorities acknowledged Thursday that they are holding a German reporter who vanished several months ago.
Eva Maria Michelmann, 36, disappeared on January 18 alongside a Kurdish-Turkish coworker when Syrian government troops allegedly apprehended them during the capture of Raqqa amid combat operations targeting the Kurdish-controlled Syrian Democratic Forces, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which issued a statement earlier this week.
The press freedom organization has demanded her freedom.
Syria’s Information Ministry released a statement saying Michelmann and a Turkish individual — whom CPJ identified as Kurdish-Turkish reporter Ahmed Polad — were discovered during an Interior Ministry sweep of Raqqa inside a structure previously utilized by the SDF as a “security headquarters.”
According to the ministry, both foreign individuals had “refused to disclose their true identities and possessed no official documentation verifying who they were.” The statement indicated that during preliminary interrogation, they “claimed to be engaged in humanitarian work and made no mention of any journalistic role” and falsely stated they were employed by the United Nations.
The Information Ministry reported they subsequently tried to flee and were apprehended again on “suspicions that they may be foreign fighters present in Syria illegally.”
The announcement indicated both individuals were “formally detained, and legal proceedings have been initiated in preparation for referral to the competent judicial authorities.” No specific accusations against them were revealed.
CPJ reported both reporters were employed by Istanbul-based Etkin News Agency ETHA and Özgür TV, which broadcasts from multiple European locations.
Frank Jasenski, a lawyer representing Michelmann and her relatives in Germany, stated earlier this week, “We assume that her health is very, very poor and we demand her immediate release.”
Germany’s Foreign Office confirmed last week it had contacted the imprisoned journalist but provided no additional information, referencing privacy regulations.
Syrian government troops captured Raqqa, previously under SDF control, during a January offensive. The SDF and Damascus subsequently established a ceasefire and announced a deal integrating the SDF into the national military.
The truce continues while the integration agreement progresses gradually. Syria’s current leadership has faced challenges establishing complete control over the war-ravaged nation since overthrowing former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, following nearly 14 years of civil conflict.
