The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression in Syria has learned that the two Canadian journalists, Margaret Evans and her colleague Mike along with their translator, were questioned 13/1/2012 at a checkpoint in the Douma in the suburb of Damascus for five hours. Their driver Hazem Abu Al-Kher, however, was detained and no information about him has come to light ever since.

SCM notes that the mission of the Canadian station CBC operates under the approval of the Syrian authorities.

The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression in Syria strongly condemns Syrian authorities’ systematic harassment against freedom of press and expression and the policies of forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions launched against media workers in Syria which conflicts with the international human rights treaties signed by the Syrian government that to ensure the security and safety of journalists in conflict and war. SCM calls upon the Syrian authorities to disclose the fate of the driver Hazem Abu Al-Kher and release him immediately or refer him to court, if there is legal justification for it.