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On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) documented the arrest that a Syrian Democratic Forces’ security patrol arrested the media activist Firas al-Barjas from his residence in the Masken al Shababiya area of Raqqa city – an area of residence designated for media professionals – without presenting an official arrest warrant.
According to information obtained by SNHR, Firas al-Barjas was assaulted and beaten during the arrest operation, before being taken to the intelligence headquarters in the Al-Nour Street area within the City of Raqqa.
According to what was documented by SNHR, Firas al-Barjas remained detained at the intelligence headquarters in the city until December 16, 2025, where his family were completely prevented from visiting him or communicating with him throughout the period of detention, and he was not allowed to appoint a lawyer, in clear violation of his basic legal rights.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Firas al-Barjas was transferred to what is known as the “Terrorism Court” in the City of Ain al-Arab/Kobani, northeast of Aleppo Governorate, which is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, without any official explanation regarding his legal status or the legal basis for his detention. According to available information, he was accused of dealing with media outlets affiliated with the Syrian government.
Media activist Firas al-Barjas, born in 1998, completed several journalism and media training courses at academies affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He currently works for “Sawt al-Hayat” radio, and previously worked for Hawar News Agency and Ronahi TV from 2018. All of these media outlets operate within areas controlled by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and SDF. More recently, he worked as a video content presenter for the same radio station.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights indicates that the terrorism court established in the areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces is an exceptional court, similar in nature to the Counter-Terrorism Court established by the Bashar al-Assad regime, in terms of the absence of a clear constitutional and legal basis, the adoption of loose definitions of the concept of terrorism, and the reduction of fair trial guarantees, making it a judicial tool of a security nature that operates outside the framework of normal justice.
We are continuing our investigations, including reviewing and gathering further evidence and information. Therefore, we urge anyone with information or details related to this incident to provide them to us via our official email address: [email protected]
SNHR condemns the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) arbitrary arrest and detention of media activist Firas al-Barjas, along with the physical assault he endured, his denial of contact with his family or legal counsel, and his subsequent transfer to the so-called Terrorism Court without any explanation of the legal basis for the charges against him. The Network affirms that targeting journalists for their work constitutes a violation of freedom of opinion and expression, undermines fundamental guarantees of a fair trial, and represents a worrying indicator of the restrictions imposed on journalistic work in areas controlled by the SDF.
Legal Conclusions:
- The arrest of media activist Firas al-Barjas without a warrant issued by a competent authority, and his detention without immediate appearance before an independent judicial authority, constitutes arbitrary arrest, according to Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits deprivation of liberty except for reasons stipulated by law and in accordance with clear legal procedures.
- Preventing the detainee from contacting his family or appointing a lawyer throughout his detention constitutes a grave violation of the fair trial guarantees stipulated in Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and undermines the right to defense, particularly in security-related cases.
- The physical assault on Firas al-Barjas during his arrest constitutes cruel and degrading treatment and may amount to ill-treatment prohibited under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
- The referral of Firas al-Barjas to the so-called Terrorism Court without a clear announcement of the charges or their legal basis, and in the context of his professional media activities, constitutes an arbitrary use of security-related legislation, violates the principle of legality in criminal cases, and poses a direct threat to the freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
- Targeting journalists and media activists because of their media work is a serious violation of international human rights law, undermines the safe environment for journalistic work, and leads to an unlawful restriction of media freedom in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, which bear the responsibility of respecting and protecting human rights as a de facto authority.
Recommendations
To the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Autonomous Administration:
- Immediately and unconditionally release media activist Firas al-Barjas, unless he is charged with internationally recognized criminal offenses, and his case be brought before an independent and impartial court that guarantees all the safeguards of a fair trial.
- Cease the practice of arbitrary arrests of journalists and media professionals and guarantee that they will not be prosecuted or targeted for their professional work or opinions.
- Launch a serious and independent internal investigation into the physical assault on Firas al-Barjas during his detention and hold those responsible accountable according to standards of accountability.
- Guarantee the right of all detainees to contact their families and appoint lawyers from the moment of their arrest.
To the international community and organizations concerned with press freedom:
- Exert pressure on the Syrian Democratic Forces to release arbitrarily detained journalists and media activists, and to guarantee respect for media freedom in areas under their control.
- Follow up on this issue within the framework of international monitoring and documentation mechanisms concerned with the protection of journalists and freedom of expression.
- Support efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring respect for human rights.
