Activists launched an online campaign on social media, under the hashtag “No to the deportation of Majed Shamaa”, in solidarity with the Syrian journalist arrested in connection with the “banana issue”.
According to sources, Majed Shamaa was transferred to the Turkish state of Gaziantep, in preparation for his deportation to northern Syria.
A Syrian human rights source confirmed that the deportation contradicted the Temporary Protection Act, which covers Syrian refugees inTurkey. He told Al-Tareek that the deportation of Shamaa could pose a threat to his life because of the nature of his work in media.
Read Also: Banana Case: Turkish Authorities Arrest Syrian Journalist; Fears of Deportation
Sources close to the family of journalist Majed Shamaa confirmed to Al-Tareek his arrest by Turkish authorities on Saturday evening.
The reason for the arrest was likely that Shamaa had filmed a video of the banana issue on behalf of the Orient channel.
The sources explained that the Turkish authorities arrested Shamaa from his home in the neighborhood of Shirin Evler in the center of Istanbul, Turkey.
A video clip of an interview with a Turkish citizen, in which he said that Syrian refugees eat bananas while he cannot buy them due to his difficult economic conditions, caused a wave of ridicule that developed into tension.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
