Syrian Democratic Forces deny Reporters Without Borders’ allegations that they arrested three journalists

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Following a recent statement by Reporters Without Borders accusing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of North and East Syria of arresting three journalists, the SDF denied the claims.

The statement, released in English, denied any involvement with the matter, clarifying that policing in North and East Syria are the responsibility of the Judicial Commission and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).

“Reporters Without Borders declared in a statement published on its website on March 8 that the Syrian Democratic Forces arrested three journalists in the area of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria,” read the statement. “As a military force, the Syrian Democratic Forces is not responsible for public law enforcement and is not authorized to take legal action against individuals.”

The statement concluded, “Our forces are neither responsible, associated or involved in the claims of arrests as mentioned by Reporters Without Borders.”