CNN may have been deceived by a supposed “hidden prisoner” from a Syrian jail, whom one news agency alleges is actually a first lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence. In a segment, CNN’s Clarissa Ward, along with a rebel fighter, stumbled upon a prisoner who seemed to be unaware of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power. Following this encounter, CNN has stated that the network is delving deeper into the man’s background.
In a career spanning nearly two decades as a journalist, Ward described this incident as one of the most remarkable moments she has ever experienced. The Verify-SY news agency, which purports to be a media platform dedicated to identifying and correcting false news, has identified the “prisoner” as a Syrian officer believed to have been involved in the killing of civilians, as well as the detention and torture of young men in Homs. According to the organization, his portrayal as a prisoner appears to be an attempt to improve his tarnished image.
Footage captured by CNN showcased the moment Ward discovered the man hidden beneath a blanket in a locked cell of an evacuated prison. Ward explained that they had been intending to cover the stories of the numerous Syrians who have disappeared into Assad’s prisons, specifically focusing on American journalist Austin Tice, who remains missing.
Upon entering the cell after a guard broke the lock, Ward repeatedly asked, “Is there someone there?” The man emerged from his concealment with his hands raised. According to CNN’s translation, the man claimed to have been in the cell for three months. Ward reassured him, saying, “You’re OK, you’re OK,” as she guided him out into the open and towards a waiting vehicle.
The unfolding events quickly drew skepticism on social media, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the man’s presence in the cell. Verify-Sy, a Syrian fact-checking group, later identified the man as Air Force Intelligence First Lieutenant Salama Mohammad Salama, who is known for his involvement in extortion and theft in Homs. It was reported that he had been arrested due to conflicts with his colleagues over profit-sharing.
Several online users pointed out the man’s appearance, noting his clean clothes, well-groomed appearance, and manicured nails, which seemed inconsistent with the portrayal of a prisoner who had allegedly been confined and starved in a prison cell for an extended period without knowledge of the regime change or the prison’s evacuation.
The incident, as reported by various news outlets and social media commentators, highlighted the potential implications of the man’s true identity and raised questions about the accuracy of CNN’s initial portrayal of the situation. The conflicting narratives presented by different sources added a layer of complexity to the unfolding story.
In response to the growing scrutiny, CNN and Ward have not issued further statements regarding the incident, leaving room for ongoing speculation and debate among observers and experts in the field of journalism and international affairs.
As the dust began to settle on the controversy surrounding the Syrian prisoner’s true identity, the
