Watchdog calls on Turkey to release Syrian journalist

ANKARA, Turkey – The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for the release of a Syrian journalist who has been arrested in Turkey.

Rami Jarrah told the AP late Thursday via online messaging that he was detained while applying for a residence permit in the Turkish city of Gaziantep. He could not be reached Friday. The reason for Jarrah's detention was not known.

Jarrah co-founded the independent citizen journalist group ANA Press after leaving Syria. The agency provides footage and reports on the Syria conflict to international media.

CPJ coordinator Nina Ognianova said Friday: "Syrian journalists like Jarrah, who have turned to Turkey for safe refuge, should be protected rather than subjected to detention and harassment."

A Turkish Interior Ministry official could not immediately be reached for comment.