NUJ condemns the death of photographer Ibrahim Ajaj in Syria
Backs the IFJ in seeking investigation and justice
The NUJ joins the International Federation of Journalists in condemning the death of photographer Ibrahim Ajaj in Syria and calls for an investigation.
Ajaj, who had been working for the Syrian Arab News Agency since before the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, was abducted by two armed men from his home in Hama, western Syria and was later found dead with bullet wounds to his body.
According to a relative, who did not wish to be named but spoke to AFP, Ajaj had received death threats prior to his killing on 22 January.
SANA is the Syrian government's official news agency and the country’s Information Ministry condemned the photographer’s murder, while affirming its full commitment to supporting freedom of the press and protecting journalists. In an official statement, Syria’s transnational government said that it was working with the Interior Ministry “to expedite uncovering the circumstances of this crime and to hold the perpetrators accountable”.
The NUJ backs the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) along with its affiliates, the Syrian Journalists’ Union (SJU) and the Syrian Journalists’ Association (SJA), in condemning the killing and calling on the transitional government to launch an investigation.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“We are in shock and deeply saddened by the outrageous killing of our colleague, Ibrahim Ajaj. We send our condolences to his family and colleagues. The transitional government must show its commitment to protect the lives and safety of all journalists in Syria by launching an investigation into the crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”