We have just learned that Magnus Falkehed, a Swedish correspondent based in Paris, has been kidnapped in Syria, with the photographer Niclas Hammarstrom. The two journalists were leaving Syria on Saturday, November 23rd, when they were captured by an unknown group. Magnus Falkehed has been a member of the French AEJ since 2008 and has also been an adjudicator of the Prix Louise Weiss.
A man of extraordinary kindness and flawless professionalism, Magnus Falkehed has been a keen observer of European issues and French news for almost twenty years.
Syria today, is the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. According to the registry of Reporters without Borders, more than 110 news media have been killed in the course of their duties since March 2011, while more than 60 are currently in detention, have been kidnapped or reported missing. ‘Working in Syria is a nightmare’ says Swedish RSF president Jonathan Lundqvist.
The case is currently in the hands of the Swedish government and the Swedish section of Reporters without Borders.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time of great worry and uncertainty, AEJ France hopes for his swift return and will be following the situation closely.
We are also thinking of French journalists Didier Francois, Éduard Élias, Nicolas Hénin and Pierre Torres, currently detained in Syria.