Journalist Imad Al-Tawashi has been elected president of the Syrian Journalists Association for the 2026–2029 term. The elections also resulted in the selection of six members for the Executive Bureau—including three women—marking a first for the association since its founding in 2012.
These periodic elections took place two years after the fall of the Assad regime, at a time when Syrian media continues to face significant challenges, including the reorganization of the sector, the development of legislation governing journalistic work, the assurance of media institutional independence, the protection of journalists' rights, and the improvement of their working conditions.
⛔ Al-Tawashi: From 18 Years in the Newsroom to the Association’s Presidency
Imad Al-Tawashi brings over 18 years of journalistic experience to the role. Throughout his career, he has worked across print, broadcast, and digital media, serving in various Arab and regional media organizations, including TRT Arabi.
Al-Tawashi previously served on the association’s Executive Bureau during the 2023–2026 term, holding the position of vice president under the leadership of journalist Muzna Murshid.
He joined the Syrian Journalists Union in 2009 and has been a member of both the Syrian Journalists Association and the International Federation of Journalists since 2015. Additionally, he served on the board of the Code of Conduct for Syrian Media Professionals during the 2020–2022 term. Professionally, Al-Tawashi has been involved in drafting and developing codes of honor and professional conduct. He also contributed to the launch of various programs and projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of journalists, including the "Tamkeen" (Empowerment) program and the "Empowering Ethical Journalism in Syria" project.
His experience includes covering regional events and uprisings, elections in several countries, the war in Ukraine, and the events of October 7th.
His election as president of the association comes at a time when the new executive board faces numerous professional and union-related challenges—foremost among them defending the rights of journalists, strengthening the association’s independence, and expanding its role in representing those working in the media sector.
⛔ Six Members of the Executive Board
The elections resulted in the selection of six members for the executive board, who bring together expertise in media, union-related work, and a commitment to human rights issues. Notably, three female journalists were elected to the board—a first in the association’s history.
◼️ Al-Kilani: A Human Rights Background in Service of Union Work
Lawyer Al-Mu'tasim Al-Kilani is a prominent figure in the realm of human rights, particularly regarding transitional justice, the rights of victims, and holding those responsible for the abuses committed by the defunct Assad regime accountable.
Following the announcement of the results, Al-Kilani stated that his participation in founding the Syrian Journalists Association in 2012 was part of his broader experience in public service—a background that also includes helping to establish the Association of Free Syrian Athletes and various unified human rights offices. He expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for the trust they placed in him, noting that building a new Syria begins with safeguarding rights and freedoms, and that the success of the transitional phase is a collective responsibility. He further affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his duties within the Association in a manner commensurate with the magnitude of this responsibility.
◼️ Abdul Razzaq: Expertise in Media, Training, and Union Affairs
Media professional Muhieddin Abdul Razzaq works for the Al-Ikhbariya Al-Souriya channel. He possesses significant professional experience in voice-over work and training, particularly in mentoring media students. He also served as a member of the Association’s Executive Bureau during the 2023–2026 term.
Abdul Razzaq has participated in various discussions and events concerning the future of Syrian media. In his contributions, he has emphasized the need to develop the legislative and regulatory environment for journalistic work, as well as to improve the professional and living conditions of media personnel.
◼️ Al-Shaer: A Prominent On-Screen Presence with Experience in Union Management
Media professional Ammar Ismail Al-Shaer works as a presenter for the Al-Ikhbariya Al-Souriya channel. He is one of the channel’s most recognizable faces, anchoring news bulletins and programs that cover local and regional developments.
He previously served as a member of the Association’s Executive Bureau during the 2023–2026 term, a role that allowed him to gain experience in union affairs and oversee the Association’s organizational and professional files. ⛔ Three Female Journalists Join the Executive Bureau
The elections saw an unprecedented female presence in the Association’s Executive Bureau, with the election of Rama Al-Abboush, Lama Rajeh, and Suhair Omari—a milestone reached for the first time since the Association’s founding 14 years ago.
◼️ Al-Abboush: Focusing on the Eastern Region
Journalist Rama Al-Abboush hails from the city of Deir ez-Zor and holds a degree in Media Studies from Damascus University.
She began her career in radio and television, working with various media organizations—including Radio Shababek, Al-Jisr TV, and Orient TV—before joining Syria TV.
Al-Abboush has hosted political programs and anchored news broadcasts. She has served as a senior editor and presenter, notably hosting the morning show "Sabah Syria" (Morning Syria).
In her work, she has addressed social and political issues, with a particular focus on the Eastern region—specifically regarding the representation of its inhabitants in the media and the stereotypes often associated with them.
◼️ Rajeh: Responsible Journalism and the Most Vulnerable Groups
Journalist and researcher Lama Rajeh focuses her work on independent journalism, as well as social and human rights issues—most notably those concerning women, gender, and human rights.
She has contributed journalistic and research-based work on humanitarian and social topics. Additionally, she has published articles in *Al-Sahafa* (Journalism) magazine—an outlet of the Al Jazeera Media Institute—covering journalistic ethics, including how to work professionally with trauma survivors. Her experience reflects a commitment to the professional and ethical standards of media coverage—particularly when addressing issues concerning victims and groups most vulnerable to abuse.
◼️ Omari: A career spanning media, language, and organizational work.
Writer and media professional Suhair Omari was born in Damascus in 1973. She holds a degree in Arabic language from the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, as well as a diploma in media studies from the University of Toronto in Canada.
She began her professional career teaching the Arabic language before transitioning into the media sector, where she worked in program development and Screenwriting.
She also has prior experience in organizational work within the Association; she chaired the committee overseeing its 2023 elections, which provided her with insight into the administrative and organizational aspects of union-related activities.
⛔ Issues Awaiting the New Board
The election of the new executive board marks the beginning of a union term extending until 2029, amidst challenges that go beyond the day-to-day management of the Association—extending to the very definition of its role in the coming period.
Key issues facing the new leadership include ensuring the independence of union work, defending press freedom, protecting journalists and safeguarding their professional rights, as well as developing media-related legislation and improving the living conditions of those working in the sector.
Zaman Al Wasl
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