Zaman Al Wasl reporter talks to Al Arabiya about the death threat

"I executed two of my men because of you'', referring to Zaman Alwasl newspaper

Shammas mentioned that Zaman Alwasl had blocked its websites for 6 hours last Sunday in solidarity with her and to express the deep concern about the deteriorating state of press freedom in the new Syria and about the ongoing threats of arresting and killing to our reporters and other colleagues on anti-state charges, simply for writing articles critical of the Syrian regime and the opposition, in step to stifle legitimate debate.

It was a astonishing also, neglecting the complaint by the interim President of the Coalition George Sabra who did not lift a finger.

 Zaman stressed on freedom of expression standards. Also, it will report the assault to the International Human Rights organizations to protect journalists, and reveal to them the circumstances of the incident to be put in their reports to the relevant bodies in this regard.

In a relevant context, Zaman Alwasl has documented several cases of attacks, intimidation, and detention of journalists by Assad's security agents and we are concerned that this harassment has led to self-censorship and even among the local press corps. We urge the Authorities of Syrian opposition to use the power of their office to ensure that journalists are allowed to work freely without harassment and censure from some opposition officials as it happened 10 days ago, Mr. Nazir Hakim, National Coalition member and prominent figure in the Muslim Brotherhood movement, who threatened our reporter in Turkey 'Lma Shammas' by death after accusing her of spying for Assad's regime interest and reporting news that contributed to execute two of his men.

We demand stop the practices which would restrict online expression on news websites and social media. We will ask for legal and human rights representatives to protect our reporters from any provisions violate the freedom of expression.

 Zaman Alwasl is an independent electronic newspaper, founded in Homs 2005 by Joint efforts of Syrian youth, not sponsored or backed by any political figures or entities.

'Zaman' Electronic Sit-In have included (Zaman Alwasl Arabic -Eqtsad - Zaman Alwasl English) also its correspondents in Syria.

The electronic protest was a message for the global consciousness to shed the light on our work risks as journalists in Syria with the war.

Zaman alwasl quoted what Journalist Marie Colvin said before passing away in Homs 22 February 2012 by regime shells

 "We always have to ask ourselves whether the level of risk is worth the story. What is bravery, and what is bravado? Journalists covering combat shoulder great responsibilities and face difficult choices. Sometimes they pay the ultimate price."