Local sources in Daraa Governorate reported that security forces affiliated with the Interim Authority arrested media activist Awad Abazeid on the evening of Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The arrest took place in front of the Bilal al-Habashi Mosque in the Daraa al-Balad area. Abazeid was subsequently taken to an undisclosed security location. As of the time of writing, no official statement has been issued clarifying the reasons for the detention or the legal basis for the action.
According to testimonies and cross-referenced information obtained by local entities, accounts regarding the motives behind the arrest are conflicting. Some sources suggested the existence of personal claims or private lawsuits against Abazeid. Conversely, other sources confirmed that his detention is linked to his media activity and public criticism of officials within the Transitional Government, as well as his discussions regarding corruption and nepotism files in Daraa Governorate via social media platforms.
Awad Abazeid is well-known for his local media activism and his coverage of public affairs in southern Syria. He is the brother of two Free Syrian Army fighters who were killed during the years of the Syrian conflict—one in 2017 and the other in 2020. Additionally, a third brother lost his sight following an explosion attributed to ISIS in 2022.
The arrest has sparked angry reactions among local activists and human rights defenders. They consider that, if linked to his opinions or publications, Abazeid’s detention constitutes a violation of freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed under international human rights instruments—specifically Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every individual the right to hold and express opinions without interference.
Activists further noted that the relevant authorities are required to clarify the reasons for the arrest in an official and transparent manner, and to specify whether a clear judicial claim exists against Abazeid. This must include ensuring respect for due process, including his right to be informed of the charges against him, the right to legal counsel, and the right to be brought before a competent judicial authority within a reasonable legal timeframe.
Local human rights sources emphasized that resorting to detention in cases of personal claims—should they exist—must be conducted via formal legal warrants and public judicial procedures, rather than through arbitrary detention or temporary disappearance. They warned against the use of undisclosed charges or those from anonymous sources to restrict the freedom of activists and media professionals.
This incident occurs amid escalating fears regarding the shrinking space for freedom of expression within areas controlled by the Interim Authority, and amid repeated demands for the protection of journalists and activists to ensure they are not prosecuted for their opinions or peaceful media activities.
