We condemn the murder of Syrian-American journalist Halla Barakat and her mother

ISTANBUL, TURKEY, Thursday, September 21 — Syrian-American journalist Halla Barakat and her mother, Orouba Barakat were found brutally killed in their home in Uskudar, Istanbul.

Police reports acquired by the Coalition indicate the victim’s throats were slit days before the bodies were reported to be found. Chemicals were used in the murder in order to mask the odor of the bodies. The Coalition was alerted of the murdered mother and daughter by friends of Halla who were unable to reach her.

Halla’s mother also worked as a journalist in the 80s and in recent year became a staunch critic and activist against the regime. Their work in journalism and activism was illuminating.

“We are saddened and alarmed by the notorious murder of our colleague Halla Barakat and her mother Orouba Barakat. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the Barakat family and to the journalist community,” said founding director of the coalition, Kiran Nazish.

“We request Turkish authorities to closely investigate the murders and keep the public informed about their findings. We will be watching the investigation closely.”

“Anytime there is an attack on journalists, like in the case with the Barakats, answers need to be given,” said the Head of Advocacy for the Coalition, Elle Toussi. “The Coalition takes such matters seriously and will be seeking these answers and request the Turkish authorities to be very transparent with their findings.”

The Barakat’s were staunchly critical of the Assad regime. Halla was investigating the war crimes in prison by the regime. Mohamed Garred, one of Halla’s close friends told the Coalition, “We are terrified. Her death and the way she was killed frightens us,” he said of friends and colleagues of Halla. “It completely destabilizes the small community of people, who are trying to expose Assad’s war crimes, and it shows how little protection there is for such people in the world.”

Four other friends and colleagues of Halla, revealed they are silenced after this murder and fear for their lives. Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Halla Barakat and Orouba Barakat in Istanbul.

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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org