Syria denies allegations Austin Tice is becoming held hostage by government

Cami Mondeaux

August 17, 10:10 AM August 17, 10:10 AM

Syrian officials turned down allegations that the place is holding missing journalist Austin Tice in custody, rather placing the blame for his disappearance on the U.S. govt for allowing for its citizens to enter Syria “illegally.”

Syria’s reaction will come a week soon after President Joe Biden asserted, “We know with certainty” that Tice has been held by the Syrian authorities over the previous 10 yrs. Even so, the Syrian authorities dismissed the accusations as “invalid,” including that Tice entered the country unlawfully.

Ten Yrs Afterwards: AUSTIN TICE’S Relatives SEEKS Solutions ABOUT HIS DISAPPEARANCE

“Syria emphasizes that any official dialogue or conversation with the U.S. govt facet will only be public and dependent on the rule of respecting the sovereignty and independence and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic’s land,” the Syrian International Ministry reported in a statement. “[The U.S.] not only turned a blind eye but encouraged tens of U.S. citizens to travel to Syria and enter its lands illegally and without the need of permission from its government, by nonofficial border crossings or by sneaking into regions that are managed by terrorist armed groups.”

Tice, a freelance journalist for various U.S. information corporations, was reporting on the civil war in Syria when he was taken by unfamiliar captors on Aug. 14, 2012. A couple of months later on, a YouTube video clip was launched showing the journalist blindfolded and surrounded by his captors. The movie, also posted on the Fb website page of supporters of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, was the past time Tice was observed.

No a person has claimed obligation for Tice’s kidnapping, and it is not clear whether he’s however alive. Nonetheless, the Biden administration issued a assertion final 7 days, on the 10-year anniversary of his disappearance, calling on the Syrian government to release him.

“We know with certainty that he has been held by the Authorities of Syria. We have continuously requested the govt of Syria to function with us so that we can bring Austin home,” Biden explained in a statement. “On the tenth anniversary of his abduction, I am calling on Syria to conclude this and enable us bring him property. There is no larger precedence in my Administration than the recovery and return of People in america held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.”

The FBI in the same way renewed endeavours to provide Tice dwelling, featuring a $1 million reward to any one who can supply details that sales opportunities to his return.

“This yr, we understand the 10-yr anniversary of the disappearance of Austin Tice, and it is time to renew our general public simply call for data that could guide to his whereabouts,” claimed FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Additionally, this week marks Austin’s 41st birthday. For 10 decades, focused FBI personnel have been functioning tirelessly to return him to his relatives. The FBI will proceed to do the job with our authorities companions to convey Austin dwelling and seek solutions for his family.”