Young Reuters Freelance Photojournalist Killed While Covering Syrian Conflict

syriareuters1

A young photographer who was freelancing for news agency Reuters chronicling the ongoing clash between rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in Syria was killed Friday while covering a battle at a hospital in Aleppo.

According to Reuters, Molhem Barakat — a young Syrian photojournalist who some are claiming was only 17 years old — was killed while taking photos of a battle over Kindi Hospital in Aleppo, a building rebels claim the government was using as a barracks.

syriareuters2

Reuters has revealed no details about how he died, nor have they come out to confirm or deny his age. If he wasn’t 17, many are calling for Reuters to set the record straight; if he was 17, those same people expect the agency to explain why it would be willing to hire someone so young.

Barakat had been working for Reuters since May, sending in photos that were frequently distributed to major publication around the world. His death adds to a growing toll that Reuters reports has reached over 100,000 killed since 2011.

(via Reuters)

Discussion