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1 August 2025 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for accountability following the death of Syrian photojournalist Sari Majid Al-Shoufi, who was killed while reporting on armed clashes near the city of Sweida.
Al-Shoufi worked with Suwayda 24, a news outlet focusing on the Druze community. According to Editor-in-Chief Rayan Marouf, Al-Shoufi had been reporting from Taara, a village near Sweida, when he alerted colleagues on the morning of 14 July that the area was under heavy attack from drones and armored vehicles, with casualties mounting around him. His death was confirmed ten days later.
The violence in Sweida escalated after Bedouin tribespeople reportedly attacked a Druze merchant on 13 July, sparking intercommunal hostilities. Since then, journalists covering the unrest have faced threats, injuries, and harassment.
The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, emphasizing the duty of Syrian authorities to uphold human rights for all citizens without discrimination. The Commission urged all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted that recent incidents in Sweida—including attacks on seven journalists in May 2025—underscore the risks faced by media professionals, despite official pledges to improve press freedom during Syria’s political transition.
CPJ’s Levant coordinator, Doja Daoud, described Al-Shoufi’s death as “a stark reminder of the grave dangers journalists face in conflict zones,” and reiterated the need for Syrian authorities to ensure press safety and pursue justice.
