Syria releases German journalist detained in north-east PHOTO

Syria has released a German journalist who was detained in the country’s north-east, according to state media reports, following a request from the German government.

The Syrian authorities identified the journalist as Eva Maria Michellmann and freed her after the Syrian foreign ministry reviewed her case and coordinated with German diplomatic officials in Damascus, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

State media said Michelmann had been operating in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Raqqa province and was detained alongside a senior figure linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye and several Western governments.

Authorities said she had entered Syria “illegally” and remained outside government-controlled areas for an extended period.

According to the Syrian foreign ministry’s media office, consular arrangements were made in coordination with German representatives “in accordance with international law and obligations”.

Following her release, Michelmann was transferred to Jordan before being expected to return to Germany.

She was reportedly detained in late January during clashes in Raqqa between Syrian government forces and the SDF.

By Aghakazim Guliyev