Released journalist Dorothy Parvaz plans to go back to Syria

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Released journalist Dorothy Parvaz plans to go back to Syria
The North Vancouver journalist was in Syria, covering protests, when she was arrested last month
Denise Wong/ Vancouver Sun May 22, 2011 16:12:19 PM
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - She's only been home for three days, but local journalist Dorothy Parvaz is ready to head back to Syria. Parvaz spent more than two weeks in custody in the Middle East, and is still haunted by the sounds of torture in Syria's detention centre.

SFU's Andre Gerolymatos is an international security expert and says Parvaz is taking a big risk in going back.

"It's kind of flaunting in the face of what these people have done to them. Going back again is almost like asking for more. They're going to see that as an afront and also as a challenge to them."

Parvaz was arrested in Syria last month while on assignment for Al Jazeera. She was taken against her will to Iran and came home just this past Thursday. She tells the Vancouver Sun she plans to go back to Syria to continue covering anti-government protests.

"She may have a false sense of security because she got away with it the first time," says Gerolymatos. "We all think that we're indestructible and immortal. But she has to be extremely careful, especially if she goes back to Syria or Iran, where they're going to be very unforgiving."

He adds in the past, journalists have been killed, arrested, tortured, and even sexually assaulted.

"I have to commend her bravery. It's a real commitment to journalism."

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