McClatchy DC | Reporters Without Borders | The Family of Austin Tice
Freelance journalist Austin Tice has been missing in Syria for three years. In a piece Tuesday for McClatchy DC, Hannah Allam reported that Tice last used his satellite phone on August 13, 2012, from Syria. He is believed to have been kidnapped the following day.
The only news of him since has been a video that was posted to YouTube Sept. 26, 2012. It shows an obviously distraught Tice, blindfolded, being led up a hillside by gunmen. The video breaks off as he’s heard speaking fractured Arabic, then saying, “Jesus. Oh, Jesus.”
Tice’s work was published in a number of places, including McClatchy, The Washington Post, NPR and The Associated Press. Reporters Without Borders notes that Tice’s work has received numerous awards since his disappearance, including the 2012 George Polk Award for War Reporting and the 2012 McClatchy Newspapers President’s Award. This year, the National Press Club gave Tice the 2015 John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award.
Reporters Without Borders has a #FreeAustinTice campaign that includes a blindfold pledge and a petition to the president.
Screen shot, Reporters Without Borders
Tice’s parents have also spoken out about the U.S. hostage policy. On Friday, the family shared a statement on The Family of Austin Tice site.
Previously: Austin Tice has now been missing for a year
