German journalist held in Syria back home, family says
Summary
A German journalist named Eva Maria Michelmann has been released and returned home after being held in Syria since January 18. She was arrested in the city of Raqqa during a military operation and had spent time in solitary confinement.Key Facts
- Eva Maria Michelmann is a German freelance journalist who worked in Syria since 2002.
- She was arrested on January 18 in Raqqa during a military raid on a building linked to a local armed group.
- The Syrian authorities said she initially claimed to be Spanish and working for a UN-related group, but this was not confirmed by the UN.
- Michelmann spent a long time in solitary confinement while detained.
- A Kurdish journalist, Ahmed Polad, was arrested at the same time but his whereabouts are still unknown.
- The German embassy in Damascus and Beirut helped negotiate her release and provided consular support.
- Raqqa was under Kurdish-led administration until January 2026, when the Syrian government took control.
- Michelmann’s family confirmed she arrived home from Jordan on Friday and is doing well under the circumstances.
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