Syria: Journalist shot by Turkish forces while covering protests on Syrian–Turkish border

Journalist Nujan Mala Hassan, a correspondent for the Nûdem Media Foundation, was shot with live ammunition by Turkish border guard forces while reporting on protests along the Syrian-Turkish border on 20 January. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns this attack and stands in full solidarity with Nujan Hassan, rejecting all forms of violence against journalists and the right to report.

Photo Credit: Nûdem media

Nujan Mala Hassan was covering the latest demonstrationsopposing Turkish attacks on cities and towns in Rojava in the border area between Qamishli in North and East Syria and Nusaybin in Türkiye. During the protest, journalists and civilians were initially targeted by Turkish border guards using water cannons and tear gas. The situation escalated when Turkish forces opened fire with live ammunition, directly targeting protesters and members of the press present at the scene.

Hassan told IFJ that while filming with her camera, she was shot with a live bullet in the abdomen, causing her to collapse in severe pain and was subsequently shot a second time in the leg. She reported that Turkish soldiers did not fire warning shots into the air but instead deliberately aimed at protesters, particularly those positioned at the front lines. A civilian attempting to assist her was also targeted by gunfire and four other individuals were injured, in what Hassan described as a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on the wounded and those providing assistance.

Hassan received urgent medical assistance from civilians at a nearby roundabout before being transferred to the Syrian Specialty Hospital, where she later lost consciousness following evacuation. Hassan added that the incident was a deliberate attack on journalism and press freedom, calling for accountability from the responsible authorities.

In a statementpublished following the incident, the Nûdem Media Foundation expressed full support for its correspondent, wishing her a speedy recovery, safety and a swift return to her journalistic work.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The shooting of Nujan Mala Hassan is a shocking and unacceptable assault on press freedom. We demand accountability for those responsible. We firmly stand with our colleagues in that region who work under very dangerous conditions and wish Hassan a speedy recovery."