(RSF/IFEX) – On 30 April 2002, RSF protested the Syrian government’s refusal to renew Maher Chmaytelli’s accreditation. Chmaytelli is the Damascus bureau chief of the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). “This demonstrates once again that the regime will target any media that dare to criticise it,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. “The hopes raised […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 30 April 2002, RSF protested the Syrian government’s refusal to renew Maher Chmaytelli’s accreditation. Chmaytelli is the Damascus bureau chief of the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“This demonstrates once again that the regime will target any media that dare to criticise it,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. “The hopes raised when Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father have been dashed. Syria remains one of region’s most repressive regimes.”
Syria has exerted strong pressure on foreign media correspondents over the past year, forcing some to stop working for certain media organisations. Last autumn, a very harsh press law was introduced (see IFEX alert of 26 September 2001). RSF includes President Assad on its list of international press freedom predators.
The Communications’ Ministry’s information chief summoned Chmaytelli in early 2002. He accused the AFP bureau chief of demonstrating “ill will” and issuing “negative reports” about Syria’s internal political situation. Chmaytelli was told his accreditation would not be renewed when it expired at the end of March.
The AFP office currently operates without a bureau chief. Chmaytelli has left the country. “Mr Chmaytelli has always worked in a professional manner and respected Syrian laws concerning the press,” an AFP spokesperson said.
AFP President Bertrand Eveno visited Damascus in November 2000 to officially install Chmaytelli as the agency’s local bureau chief. At the time, the move was seen as a strong indication of Syria’s willingness to display greater openness in the media sector.
