Daouk denounces detention of Itani

Minister of Information Walid Daouk condemned Sunday the detention of Lebanese journalist Fidaa Itani by a Syrian opposition group, calling it “a direct attack on freedom of press. “      

On Saturday, Syrian rebels said they had put Itani under house arrest in the Aleppo district of Aazaz, northern Syria, "because his work was not compatible with the course of the Syrian revolution," according to a statement posted on the Facebook page of Aazaz opposition group “Liwaa Aasifat al-Chamal” (Northern Storm Brigade).      

"This case concerns the freedom of press, which should prevail over all other considerations and political schisms," said the Minister, adding that journalistic work is neutral and objective in nature and should not be dragged into political turmoil.      

"The ministerial committee [charged with following up on the case of the Lebanese abductees in Syria] will hold an emergency meeting in this regard on Monday, which I will not be able to attend since I will be out of the country,” he said.           

Daouk stressed the importance of respecting freedoms, urging all concerned parties "to release Itani as soon as possible."