Press bodies warn of media safety crisis in Syria

Fears are mounting for the life of Anhar Kochneva, a female journalist and a dual national of Russia and Ukraine, who was kidnapped in October by the Free Syrian Army (FSA). Her captors are now threatening to execute her tomorrow unless their demand for a ransom is met, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) said in a statement here Wednesday. The two media groups called on those who hold the reporter to respect her right to life. "This news is very alarming indeed and we are gravely concerned for the safety of Anhar Kochneva," said IFJ President, Jim Boumelha. "Those who are holding her will be held responsible for summary execution if she is killed," he said. The European Federation of Journalists has accused the FSA of putting the journalist's life in danger for financial gains. "This blatant use of journalists as a money spinning scheme is outrageous," added Arne Konig, EFJ President. The case of Anhar Kochneva is a reminder of risks to media in the current Syrian conflict in which both sides have been accused of serious violations, including arbitrary arrests and detention, kidnappings as well as killings of journalists and media workers, noted the statement. At least three other journalists and media staff are either missing or held by warring factions in Syria.