CNN is currently investigating an incident where they were misled about the identity of a man initially presented as a Syrian prisoner freed from a clandestine jail. A local fact-checking group revealed the man was actually Salama Mohammad Salama, also known as Abu Hamza, a former first lieutenant in Syrian Air Force Intelligence with a history of torture.
CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward's initial report depicted the dramatic rescue of a "Syrian prisoner" who had allegedly endured months in a windowless cell. However, observers questioned the man's relatively healthy appearance, which seemed inconsistent with his alleged ordeal. Verify-SY, a Syrian journalism organization specializing in fact-checking, exposed Salama's true identity and his disturbing past.
CNN has acknowledged the misidentification and is actively investigating the situation. The network stated that it was unaware of the man's true identity during the initial reporting and emphasized that the decision to release the prisoner was made by a rebel guard. The report included the prisoner's claims with clear attribution.
Ward's original report detailed the discovery of the man, later identified as Salama, hidden under a blanket in a locked cell at the Syrian Air Force intelligence headquarters in Damascus. The man claimed to be Adel Ghurbal, a civilian unjustly imprisoned. He described being held in multiple jails and subjected to regular interrogation.
Verify-SY's investigation uncovered Salama's history of operating security checkpoints in Homs, where he engaged in extortion, theft, and coerced individuals into becoming informants. His recent imprisonment was reportedly due to a dispute with a superior officer over extorted funds. Furthermore, Salama's involvement in military operations, the killing of civilians, and the torture of young men were brought to light by the fact-checking organization.
CNN has updated its online platforms, including YouTube, with a statement acknowledging the potential false identity provided by the man. They have affirmed their ongoing investigation into the incident and the broader story.
