Jordanian journalist detained in Syria since 2017 released

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Monday announced the release of Omair Gharaibeh, a Jordanian journalist who had been detained in Syria since 2017, and his return to Jordan.

Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah stressed that Syrian authorities released Gharaibeh following a special presidential pardon issued by Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Jordan News, Petra, reported.

The Jordanian embassy in Damascus escorted Gharaibeh to the border in an official embassy vehicle, where he was reunited with his family.

Qudah noted that the ministry, in coordination with the Jordanian embassy in Damascus, had followed up on Gharaibeh’s case, and maintained communication with Syrian authorities to ensure his release.

The spokesperson expressed appreciation to the Syrian government for granting the pardon, praising the cooperation of Syrian officials in facilitating Gharaibeh’s return.