Ali Othman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1978 (age 46–47) Syria |
| Occupation | journalist |
Ali Mahmoud Othman (Arabic: علي محمود عثمان, born 1978)[1] is a Syriancitizen journalist and activist fromHoms. He is nicknamed the "Eyes of Baba Amr"[2] and "Jeddo" (Grandfather).[3]
Othman originally sold vegetables, but turned to journalism in theSyrian uprising.[2] He became the head of a media centre inHoms,[4] Baba Amro News, which provided footage and content to satellite TV channels, news outlets and foreign journalists working in Syria,[5] includingAl Jazeera,Al Arabiya,CNN,BBC,Sky News andTRT.[6]
He gained prominence when he highlighted theshelling of Homs.[7] The centre was in a privileged location because it had internet access and a generator to provide electricity.[8] It is claimed that Othman's footage was the first to be made available.[1][9]
Paul Conroy said Othman "was one of the activists who just made things happen at the media centre. He would take journalists to the front line or to field hospitals, or anywhere where they would be able to get a good camera shot."[10]
The Baba Amro News office was shelled twice; both times with Othman present. He filmed the first shelling and helped carry the injured to safety.[1][7][11]
In the second shelling more than ten rockets hit the office. Foreign journalistsMarie Colvin andRémi Ochlik were killed while they were attempting to escape.[7][12] Othman was instrumental in the evacuation of the three remaining journalists from Homs, including Paul Conroy who was seriously injured.[13] However Othman refused to leave the city himself after theSyrian army regained control.[2]
ALibération journalist said theSyrian Army were fully aware the media centre was broadcasting evidence ofcrimes against humanity, and they were planning to deliberately shell the office. Doing so would mean there would be "no more information coming out of Homs".[8]
Ali Mahmoud Othman was arrested inAleppo by government forces in March 2012,[5][11] after being lured to a certain place by a text message.[14] On April 25, 2012Addounia TV aired an interview with him that was believed to be aforced confession.[15] He is considered to be at risk of torture.[4] It is unknown where he is being held, but he is suspected to be in Aleppo.[4]Amnesty International,[14]Reporters Without Borders,[6]Randa Habib,John McCain,[2] andWilliam Hague[4] have all called for his release.
In 2019 his family were told he died in detention on 30 December 2013. His family are seeking official confirmation of his death and return of his body.[16]
