The editor-in-chief of the Syrian "Orient" channel, Ala Farhat, and journalist Ahmad Reyhawi have managed to escape Turkey after an intermediate ruling sentenced them to 6 years in prison. Farhat posted a picture with Reyhawi in Greece on his Facebook account, writing: "Cashed... we have escaped from Turkey," referring to their exit from the country via smuggling routes. A week prior, the Turkish judiciary issued a six-year prison sentence, which is subject to appeal, against both Farhat and Reyhawi, host of the "Details" program.
The ruling came after the Syrian journalists were accused of "insulting the Turkish Republic" following an episode that saw a verbal altercation in the "Details" program, discussing "violations by the Turkish gendarmerie" last March. Following the altercation and Reyhawi's ejection of Turkish guest Oktai Yilmaz, Turkish authorities arrested both journalists months ago. Although they were released after about a week, they were banned from traveling as part of the ongoing case.
"Orient" was one of the most prominent Syrian media outlets advocating against the Syrian government for many years before it was closed. The channel announced its closure a few weeks ago without delving into details or reasons, while employees reported "pressures" communicated to them by Farhat.
