Turkish Journalist Freed in Syria

The Turkish journalist, who spent the last three months in captivity at the hands of Syrian Army troops, has been released on Saturday to a CHP delegation led by Deputy Refik Eryılmaz. 

Ünal and his colleague Kadumi from Al Hurra television disappeared on August 20. Another journalist in Syria, Japanese Mika Yakamoto, was killed in the same day.  

"I was kept in a prison in Aleppo for 87 days. Nobody harmed me. I am with Turkish deputies now. I am so happy," Ünal said in a press conference held in Damascus.

"Kadumi's whereabouts unknown"

Hasan Akgöl, a CHP delegate in Syria, said they are currently negotiating with Bashar Assad officials concerning Kadumi's status.

"Kadumi's whereabouts are still unknown. Syrian officials are investigating. If they find him, they will free him. We are working to bring Kadumi back home," he said.

Who is Cüneyt Ünal?

Cüneyt Ünal is a senior cameraman whose work in Libya was awarded as the best camera footage by Turkish News Heros Association last year.

Ünal's works have appeared in Kanal 6, CNNTurk and TRT Turk since 2000.

Currently a freelancer at Al Hurra television in Syria, Ünal has been portrayed by Syrian State Television as "Free Syrian Army militant", a footage that might have led to his abduction.(NV)