Syria: Turkish forces shoot journalist covering protests
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in condemning the attack on Nujan Mala Hassan while reporting on protests along the Syrian-Turkish border.
Hassan, a correspondent for the Nûdem Media Foundation, was shot with live ammunition by Turkish border guards on 20 January.
Hassan was covering demonstrations following recent Turkish attacks on cities and towns in the border area between Qamishli and Nusaybin.
Hassan told the IFJ that she was shot in the abdomen, causing her to collapse in pain before being shot a second time in the leg.
A civilian who attempted to help Hassan was targeted by gunfire and four others were injured. Hassan described the incident as a deliberate attack on journalism and press freedom, calling for accountability.
The NUJ joins the IFJ in expressing solidarity with Hassan and rejecting all forms of violence against journalists.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“The shooting of Nujan Mala Hassan is a shocking and unacceptable assault on press freedom. We demand accountability for those responsible. We firmly stand with our colleagues in that region who work under very dangerous conditions and wish Hassan a speedy recovery.”