Syrian journalist who has worked with many French media Hussam Hammoud also discovered documents concerning foreign fighters from the Islamic State group during his reporting in Raqqa. Information then transmitted to French justice. While he had filed an asylum application for him and his family, France refused him a visa on Monday, September 5. An injustice for Hussam Hammoud, a refugee in Turkey for three years and who considers himself threatened.
Hussam Hammoud reported on the abuses committed in his country by the jihadists of the terrorist group Islamic State. The 30-year-old has often worked in a team with French journalists, as well as for Mediapart and RadioFrance.
In Raqqa, the city where he is from, one of his reports revealed documents containing hundreds of names of foreign jihadists : “ At that time we decided by mutual agreement that these documents should be sent to the French courtshe told RFI. We couldn’t just make journalistic use of them, we decided to get them out of Syria to bring them to justice. »
This valuable information landed at the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office in Paris. Hussam Hammoud believes he has helped protect France from an enemy which is also that of the Syrians. A refugee in Turkey for several years, married and father of two children, the journalist says he is surprised and disappointed by France’s refusal to welcome him. Especially since he considers himself in danger: I had to move because I received serious threats. I am currently investigating the financing circuits of the Islamic State group. It puts me under pressure, I wouldn’t say it’s the best time for me. »
Destroying someone’s life and dreams is so easy by someone who has everything!
Today my asylum request to #France was rejected without any explanations. Idk what I could provide more than all the investigations I’ve worked on for the biggest French media agencies.
Thanks for nothing!!— Hussam Hammoud (@HussamHamoud) September 5, 2022
Threatened on Turkish soil as in Syria, Hussam Hammoud considers himself at the mercy of being sent back to his country of origin.
Contacted by RFI, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to our request concerning the situation of the Syrian journalist.