CNN reports finding Syrian prisoner, fact-checker says source lied about identity

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Karah Rucker Anchor/Reporter

By Karah Rucker (Anchor/Reporter), Zachary Hill (Video Editor)

CNN is re-examining a recent report featuring a man described as a Syrian prisoner after a fact-checking group, Verify-Sy, claimed the man is actually a member of Syria’s air force intelligence, not a prisoner. In the original report, CNN’s chief international correspondent, Clarissa Ward, and her crew, escorted by Syrian rebels, found the man hiding in a locked cell at a Syrian base in Damascus.

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The man identified himself as Adel Gharbal and claimed he had been in solitary confinement for three months. CNN reported he appeared shocked when informed that Bashar Assad’s regime had fallen.

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Ward called the moment one of the most extraordinary of her career. She stated, “I have been doing this job for nearly 20 years now, and that really was one of the most extraordinary moments that I have ever witnessed.”

However, the network has faced backlash following the fact-checking claims.

Verify-Sy identified the man as Salama Mohammad Salama, a former first lieutenant in Syria’s air force intelligence. Locals reportedly confirmed his identity.

The fact-checkers also pointed out that the man’s behavior did not align with what would be expected from someone who had been imprisoned and tortured for months. They noted his well-groomed appearance and his lack of reaction to bright light. It raised questions about the authenticity of his claims.

In response, CNN clarified that they made the report as events unfolded. CNN said it is now investigating whether the man provided a false identity to the reporter. The network says it will continue investigating the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Tags: CNN, news media, Syria

A RECENT CNN REPORT FEATURING A MAN SAID TO BE A SYRIAN PRISONER IS NOW BEING LOOKED AT AGAIN BY THE NETWORK –

AFTER A FACT-CHECK GROUP CALLED “VERIFY-SY” CLAIMED THE MAN IS ACTUALLY A MEMBER OF SYRIA’S AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE –

NOT A PRISONER.

IN CNN’S INITIAL REPORT – CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT “CLARISSA WARD” AND HER CREW – ESCORED BY SYRIAN REBELS – UNCOVERED A MAN HIDING in a locked cell at a Syrian base in Damascus.

“…..i’m a civilian he says, i’m a civilian.”

The man identified himself as a civilian – Adel Gharbal – and claimed he had been in solitary confinement for three months. Cnn reported he appeared shocked when told of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

WARD DESCRIBED THE MOMENT AS ONE OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY OF HER CAREER.

“Jake i have to say, i have been doing this job for nearly 20 years now, and that really was one of the most extraordinary moments that i have ever witnessed.”

HOWEVER NOW – THE NETWORK IS RECEIVING BACKLASH OVER THE REPORT.

AFTER THE FACT CHECK GROUP claims the man is actually Salama Mohammad Salama, a former first lieutenant in Syria’s air force intelligence.

They say local residents identified him, and they pointed out that his behavior didn’t align with what would be expected of someone who had been imprisoned and tortured for months. For example, THE FACT CHECKERS CITE HIS APPEARANCE AS BEING well-groomed and did not react to bright light, which raised questions about the authenticity of his claims.

IN RESPONSE –

CNN clarified that the report was made as events unfolded –

AND SAYS THEY’RE NOW INVESTIGATING WHETHER THE MAN PROVIDED A FALSE IDENTITY TO THEIR REPORTER.

WE’LL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS STORY AND YOU CAN TOO –

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