Ali Mahmoud Othman
| Ali Mahmoud Othman | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1978 Syria |
| Nationality | Syrian |
| Occupation | journalist |
Ali Mahmoud Othman (Arabic:علي محمود عثمان, born 1978)[1] is a Syrian citizen journalist and activist from Homs. He is nicknamed the "Eyes of Baba Amr"[2] and "Jeddo" (Grandfather).[3]
Baba Amr Press Office
Othman was originally a vegetable seller, but turned to journalism in the Syrian uprising.[2] He became the head of a media centre in Homs,[4] Baba Amro News, which provided footage and content to satellite TV channels, news outlets and foreign journalists working in Syria,[5] including Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, CNN, BBC, Sky News and TRT.[6]
He gained prominence when he highlighted the shelling of Homs.[7] The centre was in a privileged location because it had internet access and a generator to provide electricity.[8] It is claimed that Othman's footage was the first to be made available.[1][9]
Paul Conroy said Othman "was one of the activists who just made things happen at the media centre. He would take journalists to the front line or to field hospitals, or anywhere where they would be able to get a good camera shot."[10]
Shelling
The Baba Amro News office was shelled twice; both times with Othman present. He filmed the first shelling and helped carry the injured to safety.[1][7][11]
In the second shelling more than ten rockets hit the office. Foreign journalists Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik were killed while they were attempting to escape.[7][12] Othman was instrumental in the evacuation of the three remaining journalists from Homs, including Paul Conroy who was seriously injured.[13] However Othman refused to leave the city himself after the Syrian army regained control.[2]
A Libération journalist said the Syrian Army were fully aware the media centre was broadcasting evidence of crimes against humanity, and they were planning to deliberately shell the office. Doing so would mean there would be "no more information coming out of Homs".[8]
Arrest
Ali Mahmoud Othman was arrested in Aleppo by government forces in March 2012,[5][11] after being lured to a certain place by a text message.[14] On April 25, 2012 Addounia TV aired an interview with him that was believed to be a forced confession.[15] He is considered to be at risk of torture.[4] It is unknown where he is being held, but he is suspected to be in Aleppo.[4] Amnesty International,[14] Reporters Without Borders,[6] Randa Habib, John McCain,[2] and William Hague[4] have all called for his release.
References
- 1 2 3 "Ali Mahmoud Othman Prisoner of Conscience". Yalla Souriya. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 Rego, Leila Nachawati (3 April 2012). "Syria: Ali Mahmoud Othman, the "Eyes of Baba Amr", Detained". Global Voices. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- ↑ "Ali Mahmoud Othman ("Jeddo")". Threatened Voices. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 FLEGENHEIMER, Matt (April 1, 2012). "Citizen Journalist in Syria Is Captured and Tortured, Activists Say". New York Times. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- 1 2 "Syria now world's most dangerous place for journalists". Amnesty International. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- 1 2 "Syrian state TV broadcasts 'confession' by detained citizen journalist". CNN. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 "Syrian activist Ali Othman 'may have been tortured'". Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- 1 2 Ramdani, Nabila (22 February 2012). "Marie Colvin: Britain summons Syria ambassador over killing". Telegraph. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- ↑ "باباعمرو المنازل تتعرض للقصف من قبل الجيش والامن 21 10 2011". Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- ↑ Elgot, Jessica (3 May 2013). "Syria 'Deadliest Place For Journalists', Reporters, Photographers Targeted, Says Amnesty Report". Huffington Post. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- 1 2 Elbagir, Nima (April 1, 2012). "Syria cracking down on journalists, activists say". CNN. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- ↑ Wardrop, Murray (22 Feb 2012). "Syria: Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin 'killed in Homs'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- ↑ Elbagir, Nima (April 1, 2012). "Syria cracking down on journalists, activists say". CNN. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
- 1 2 "SYRIEN - ALI MAHMOUD OTHMAN". Amnesty International. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
- ↑ Rego, Leila Nachawati (28 April 2012). "Syria: Television "Confession" of Activist Ali Mahmoud Othman". Global Voices. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
