US news channel CNN is facing widespread criticism over a report claiming the rescue of a Syrian prisoner, which has been revealed as staged. The footage showed Clarissa Ward and her team reporting from a secret prison in Damascus, where they allegedly found a “hidden prisoner”. However, the identity of the prisoner was later confirmed to be Salama Mohammad Salama, a former intelligence officer in the Assad regime.
Salama was initially reported to have been held for three months but was actually incarcerated for less than a month over extortion-related charges. The report also raised questions about the legitimacy of the rescue and the credibility of CNN’s reporting. Many users on social media accused the US outlet of staging the whole incident, citing discrepancies in Salama’s appearance and behavior.
The controversy has led to demands for an apology from CNN, with some labeling the event a “shambolic” failure for the network. The media outlet has denied any wrongdoing, stating it was unaware of Salama’s whereabouts and unable to make contact with him.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/17/cnn-faces-backlash-over-staged-syrian-prisoner-rescue-report