German Journalist Returns Home After Detention in Syria
A German freelance journalist, Eva Maria Michelmann, has been released from detention in Syria and has safely returned to her home country, her family announced. Michelmann had been held in the Syrian city of Raqqa since January of this year. Her brother, Antonius Michelmann, conveyed through the dpa news agency that she arrived from Jordan on Friday, following her arrest on January 18.
Antonius Michelmann stated that, considering the circumstances of her detention, his sister was in good health. He also noted that a significant portion of her time in custody was spent in solitary confinement. The Syrian Ministry of Information had previously confirmed her arrest on January 18 in Raqqa, an event that occurred during a military operation in the city.
Circumstances of Detention
Alongside Michelmann, a Kurdish journalist and Turkish national, Ahmed Polad, was also arrested during the same operation. Antonius Michelmann expressed concern, stating that there has been no information regarding Polad's whereabouts since his arrest. Eva Maria Michelmann's family indicated that she had been working as a freelance journalist in Syria since 2002.
Last month, the Syrian Information Ministry provided further details regarding Michelmann's arrest. According to the ministry, she was apprehended in January during a raid on a building allegedly associated with a group linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Reports at the time suggested that after individuals had barricaded themselves inside the building, all present were taken into custody. The ministry's statement also mentioned the arrest of two other foreign nationals during this operation.
The city of Raqqa and most of its surrounding province were under the governance of the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, administered by the SDF, from 2017 until January 2026. At that point, control was transferred to Syrian government forces, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Investigation and Consular Efforts
The Syrian Information Ministry initially reported that Michelmann had claimed to be a Spanish national working for an organization affiliated with the United Nations. However, an inquiry directed to the UN revealed that no staff members were reported missing in the region. The ministry later stated that during the subsequent investigation, it was established that she was a German journalist. The ministry further alleged that she and a companion attempted to escape from custody.
German diplomatic missions played a role in securing her release. According to the German media outlet Der Spiegel, the German embassy in Damascus provided Michelmann with consular assistance. Additionally, the German embassy in Beirut collaborated with the Damascus mission to lobby the Syrian government for her release. These diplomatic efforts ultimately contributed to her return home.
The release of Eva Maria Michelmann highlights the complex and often dangerous environment faced by journalists operating in conflict zones. While her family celebrates her return, the continued lack of information regarding Ahmed Polad underscores the ongoing risks for media professionals in Syria.
Source: German journalist held in Syria back home, family says
