The Syrian Future Movement expresses its deep concern regarding the arrest of media activist and journalist Firas al-Barjas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Raqqa on December 8, 2025, and his referral to the so-called “Terrorism Court” on charges of media dealings with government entities.
The Syrian Future Movement considers the arrest of a journalist without a warrant, the denial of contact with his family or lawyer, and his referral to an exceptional court lacking fair trial guarantees, a blatant violation of freedom of opinion and expression. This recalls the practices of the former authoritarian regime against which the Syrian people revolted.
We believe that the future of Syria cannot be built on double standards in respecting freedoms. Freedom is the right of every journalist and activist, regardless of the entity they work for or the opinions they express, as long as they do not incite violence or hatred.
The Syrian Future Movement, as a national, civil political entity that emerged from the Syrian revolution, affirms its absolute rejection of all forms of restrictions on media freedoms, whether in government-controlled areas, areas under the Autonomous Administration, or any other entity. A genuine democratic transition requires equal respect for rights throughout the country and an end to all arbitrary security practices targeting independent voices.
In this context, the Syrian Future Movement demands the following:
- The immediate and unconditional release of journalist Firas al-Barjas.
- An independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and any violations he has suffered.
- A review of the “Terrorism Court” and amendment of its legislation to ensure its compliance with international standards for fair trials.
- A call upon all Syrian and international human rights organizations to unify their standards in condemning violations of press freedom wherever they occur, without selectivity or double standards.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that freedom and justice are the foundation of any successful political transition towards a unified, democratic Syria, and that the Syria of the future has no place for arbitrary arrest, exceptional courts, or double standards in the defense of human rights. We call for a future Syria where every citizen enjoys their right to freedom of expression in safety and security, regardless of their opinions or geographical location.
