Syria abolishes total control over media

The transitional government in Syria is introducing new standards for the media and promising freedom of speech and expression, a free press in the country after decades of total control during the Assad regime.

This was stated in an interview with AFP by the Minister of Information of Syria in the transitional government of the country, Mohamed al-Omar, reports Ukrinform with reference to Hurriyet Daily News.

“We are working to consolidate freedom of the press and expression, which were severely restricted in areas controlled by the former government of Bashar al-Assad,” Mohamed al-Omar said.

It is noted that Syria's ruling Baath Party and the Assad family dynasty have severely restricted all aspects of daily life, including freedom of the press and expression, and the media has been an instrument of power.

“There was a serious restriction on freedom of the press and expression during the regime that practiced censorship. In the future, we are working to reconstruct a media landscape that is free, objective and professional… We do not want continue in the same way, that is, to have official media, the purpose of which is — to polish the image of the ruling authorities”, – al-Omar emphasized.

The minister has already met with dozens of Syrian journalists to discuss further work and the transition to new standards of work.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visited Syria, where he met with the leader of the Islamist group «Hayat Tahrir al-Sham» (HTS) and the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Subsequently, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani announced his intention to develop a strategic partnership with Ukraine at the political, economic, and social levels.