Bilal Abdul Kareem, an American journalist, has been stuck in Syrian detention for over six months – no charges, no trial – and he has not seen a lawyer. His family keeps asking for answers, but so far, nothing clear has come back.
In a conversation with Salaamedia, his wife shared just how tough it has been. The uncertainty is exhausting – not just emotionally, it has hit them hard financially as well.
Abdul Kareem is not new to this. He has reported from Syria since 2012. Reports say Syrian security forces picked him up back in December 2025. Since then, international media groups, like the Committee to Protect Journalists, have spoken up about his case, pushing for basic transparency and fair treatment.
Since his arrest, his wife says, they have barely heard anything from Syrian authorities. No trial. No lawyer. No word on any charges. The only time officials talked to Abdul Kareem was right after he was picked up, during an initial interrogation. Since then: silence. He does not even know what they are accusing him of.
His wife did get to see him recently. She said she noticed a big change; he seemed mentally worn down, though physically, he looked well. Still, she mentioned that his faith keeps him going.
The kids are taking it hard. They are always asking when their father is coming home. One of his daughters has breakdowns because she misses him, and their son has made up stories to help himself cope.
Money is tight. Abdul Kareem was the main provider, and now his family depends on donations just to get by and cover mounting debts. Friends, relatives, and volunteers have tried everything, reaching out to officials, sharing their story online, but it has not led anywhere. The family still has no idea when, or if, he will be released or even formally charged.
What they want most is clarity and answers. Abdul Kareem’s situation has attracted the attention of media freedom advocates, all calling for fair treatment and due process for journalists, no matter where or how they are reporting.
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Image: American journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem, 31 January 2022. Credit: Saifullah Sadik.
