CNN journalist Clarissa Ward experienced a significant moment when a man, believed to be a victim of Assad’s regime, was released in Damascus by rebels. However, the report faced scrutiny, leading CNN to investigate.
The man was revealed not as an ordinary citizen but as Salama Mohammad Salama, a Syrian Air Force lieutenant associated with human rights abuses. The man, initially claiming to be Adel Ghurbal from Homs, recounted his supposed detention by Syrian intelligence.
Social media users doubted his story, prompting CNN to verify his identity. They confirmed his true identity using facial recognition and local sources.
Salama has a history of extortion and intimidation, with connections to serious crimes. CNN lost track of Salama, who was reportedly handed over to the Syrian Red Cross and reunited with family in Damascus.
The report follows previous criticisms of Ward’s work, including a disputed report from Israel on October 7.
Source: NOS