French Journalist Detained by Israeli Army in Syria Released After Interrogation

Sylvain Mercadier, covering Israeli military advances near the Golan Heights, was briefly held, questioned, and had his equipment confiscated.

Sylvain Mercadier, a French journalist and contributor to 'Marianne,' was detained on January 8 while reporting on Israeli military operations in Syria near the Golan Heights.
Witnesses reported that Mercadier, wearing a press vest, was beaten, blindfolded, and accused of being a 'mercenary' before being taken for questioning by Israeli forces.
The Israeli army stated that Mercadier had approached their soldiers on multiple occasions and was interrogated before being released later that day.
A Syrian lawyer accompanying Mercadier was also detained, while another Syrian journalist present had his equipment confiscated and footage erased by Israeli forces.
Calls for Mercadier's release were made by French officials and press freedom advocates, highlighting concerns about the treatment of journalists in conflict zones.