Syria Revives Print Media with First Official Newspaper After Assad's Fall

Syria published its first print issue of the official Al Thawra Al Souriya newspaper on Monday, marking a significant development in state media since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

This publication represents the return of print media to Syria after a five-year absence. The Assad administration had previously halted the printing of daily newspapers during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing escalating printing costs and logistical challenges in distribution.

The new publication, Al Thawra Al Souriya, which translates to "the Syrian revolution" in Arabic, replaces Al Thawra, a newspaper that operated during the Assad era.

At the launch ceremony, Information Minister Hamza Mustafa expressed his vision for the newspaper, stating he wanted it to serve as "a mirror to people's pain, their daily lives and their hopes in a space of free discussion."

During Assad's rule, media freedoms were severely restricted with stringent security controls over content and frequent harassment of journalists. State media consistently echoed government narratives, while only a small number of privately-owned outlets aligned with the government were permitted to operate under close monitoring.

The new Syrian authorities have now assumed control and relaunched existing media outlets, including state institutions such as the SANA news agency. Additionally, private publications have been granted permission to operate, suggesting a potential shift in the country's media landscape.