Journalism in a Free Syria

About this episode

The episode explores the role of accountability journalism in post-Assad Syria through the experiences of Syrian journalists reporting on hidden children under the Assad regime.

What is the role of accountability journalism in post-Assad Syria? We explore this question with Syrian journalists Lighthouse digital investigator Bashar Deeb and investigative journalist Mais Katt, who talk about their first investigation in a newly free Syria. Under the Assad regime, hundreds of Syrian children were hidden in orphanages to extort their parents. A major international charity knew, but kept silent. Beatriz and Tessa speak with Bashar and Mais about the experience of reporting from Syria for the first time in 14 years and what it means to uncover injustice in a country still healing from dictatorship. We discuss the story’s impact and how the reporting empowered the families still searching for their children and for justice and accountability. They also speak with Lighthouse Senior Editor, Charlotte Alfred, who explains how this cross-border collaboration came together and why international partnerships remain vital for accountability journalism in Syria. Investigations mentioned: Syria’s Stolen Children Hosts: Beatriz Ramalho da Silva, Tessa Pang Sound editing and design: Spoovio - Audiovisual Productions Website - X - BlueSky - Instagram - and you can email us…

People in this episode

Hosts: Beatriz Ramalho da Silva, Tessa Pang

Guests: Bashar Deeb, Mais Katt

Topics covered

• accountability journalism
• post-Assad Syria
• investigative reporting
• children's rights
• cross-border collaboration
• injustice
• dictatorship

Keywords

• Syria
• journalism
• accountability
• investigation
• children
• Assad regime
• injustice
• reporting
• cross-border
• charity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lighthouse Reports, Lighthouse

Books & works: Syria’s Stolen Children

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