Journalist Ferit Demir reacts sharply to war-mongering in the media: 'It is propaganda for jihadist groups'
Journalist Ferit Demir has directed sharp criticism at the way some media outlets cover developments in Syria and their praise-filled rhetoric toward jihadist groups. In a statement on social media, Demir noted that ethical journalistic values are being abandoned and that some of his colleagues are openly engaging in war-mongering.
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Demir criticized the enthusiasm heard on screens, particularly regarding the advance of the jihadist HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), stating, “Some journalists are almost ready to scream with joy while announcing that HTS is approaching Damascus. This is not journalism; it is propaganda for jihadist groups,” he said.
Pointing out that a presenter on the Habertürk channel spoke with a joyful tone while reporting on the regions captured by HTS, Demir emphasized that “such broadcasts ignore the great dangers awaiting the Syrian people.”
“Everyone knows that if HTS captures Damascus, thousands of Syrians will be slaughtered, and secular and Alevi citizens will be targeted in a horrific massacre,” Demir said, adding that such a scenario would create instability in Syria that could last for decades.
Demir also stated that footage of massacres by HTS and similar groups is circulating on social media, noting that maintaining an editorial line that supports jihadist groups while knowing these facts is incompatible with journalism.
“I cannot find words for journalists who ignore these facts and engage in war-mongering just to curry favor with someone,” he said, expressing his reaction toward his colleagues.