On January 18, a significant event unfolded in Raqqa when Syrian transitional government forces detained journalist Ahmed Polad and his German counterpart, Maria Michelman. For eight long months, Polad was shrouded in silence, leaving friends and family in grave concern over his well-being.
The Hand-off to Turkey
Recent developments indicate that Ahmed Polad was handed over to Turkish authorities by the Syrian transitional government on September 9, as reported by the ANHA agency, citing family communications. Since his transfer, Polad has shared harrowing details about his time in captivity, including claims of severe torture. He recounted a particularly grim hunger strike that lasted the entire duration of his imprisonment, a bold move aimed at protesting against the brutal treatment he faced.
Health Concerns and Current Status
Polad’s family has expressed deep worries regarding his health, claiming that the conditions of his detention and the torture he endured severely compromised his physical state. Following his transfer, Turkish authorities moved him to Metris Prison in Istanbul, where he continues to be detained. The journey has taken a toll on his well-being, making his family’s concern all the more pronounced.
A Journalist’s Journey
Ahmed Polad has been a prominent figure in the media landscape of Rojava and Syria since 2017. A member of the Free Media Union, he has lent his talents to various media entities like the ETHA news agency and Ozgur TV. More recently, he has served as an editor and contributing writer for the newly established Kurdistana Azad website, which was launched in 2025. His commitment to journalism underscores a dedication to capturing the injustices and stories emanating from this tumultuous region.
The Case of Maria Michelman
Polad’s colleague, Maria Michelman, who was taken alongside him, has garnered attention for her journalistic work in Rojava and North and East Syria. Since starting her career in the region in 2022, she produced numerous reports for notable media organizations including ETHA and Ozgur TV. Her coverage of crucial events, such as local conflicts and the Rojava Revolution, has been instrumental in informing the public.
In contrast to Polad’s prolonged detention, Michelman experienced a different fate. After being transferred from prisons in Aleppo to one in Damascus, she was released mid-June, managed to return to Germany thanks to the intervention of her nation’s embassy. Meanwhile, Polad remains behind bars, representing a grim reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones.
The plight of Ahmed Polad highlights the ongoing risks that journalists endure, especially in volatile regions where press freedom is often an afterthought. His case has sparked dialogue about the treatment of journalists in conflict, reinforcing the need for international attention and action to protect those who strive to report the truth.