Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, after more than five decades of Assad family rule characterized by systematic repression of press freedom, Syria has entered a transitional phase filled with hopes and challenges.
This radical change, which ended an era of severe censorship and violations against journalists, opens the door to rebuilding an independent media that reflects the voice of the Syrian people. However, the situation remains fragile due to incomplete political stability and increasing economic pressures. Reports from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2025 indicate that Syria’s ranking on the Press Freedom Index improved to 177, up from 179 in 2024.
During the years of conflict that began with the Syrian uprising in 2011, Syrian journalists faced severe violations, including arrests, killings, and exile. According to reports from RSF, more than 700 journalists have been killed in Syria since the beginning of the conflict, making it one of the most dangerous countries for journalism.