Damascus, Dec. 14 (SANA) The Syrian Journalists Union is holding sessions focused on media freedom and combating hate speech. The discussions, held in Damascus to commemorate Liberation Day, examined how journalism can confront divisive rhetoric while balancing freedom of expression with social responsibility.
Participants focused on defining hate speech, with Dana Al-Bouz, a correspondent for France 24, explaining that the United Nations considers it any communication that targets a group based on its identity. She referred to international agreements like the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which warns against inciting violence and hatred, and the “Rabat Action Plan,” which helps journalists identify and counter such speech.
Journalist Mohammad Al-Ali stressed the importance of ethical journalism to avoid spreading misinformation, especially with the growing spread of accusations on social media. He also called for rebuilding trust between official media and the public, highlighting that around 300 accounts on “X” (formerly Twitter), managed from outside Syria, play a significant role in fueling sectarian divisions.
Al-Bouz emphasized the need to avoid amplifying divisive content from individual accounts, which often fuel misinformation. Al-Ali added that proactive measures, including laws that balance freedom of expression with countering hate speech, are essential.
In another session, participants explored the need for reform in Syria’s media law. Omar Haj Ahmad, Director General of Press Affairs at the Ministry of Information, acknowledged that while the current law is adequate, it requires updates, particularly to regulate journalists and online platforms, as well as cybercrimes.
Haj Ahmad also pointed out that adherence to ethical journalism not only protects journalists but ensures their content serves a positive societal role. He stressed that the media must play a critical role in fostering national unity and countering divisions, especially in the digital age. Baraa Othman, a member of the Executive Office of the Syrian
