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‘Living in constant fear’: Life as a journalist in Syria

When Zaina became a journalist, her family said she was committing a ‘sin’. Fifteen years on, she opens up about the persecution she has faced in her career

‘Living in constant fear’: Life as a journalist in Syria
By 2013, Zaina's role was transformed to that of war reporter as violence engulfed Syria | REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo
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I can still picture the scene at my grandfather’s house in Syria in the summer of 2002.

Sitting between my two aunts silently, my head down, I listened as they preached at me about the “sin” I was committing. “A Journalist!” one shouted in condemnation while hitting her chest with the palm of her hand.

The other spoke with a calmer tone, “My daughter, don’t you care about our reputation? Are you that selfish? You know that you are bringing shame to your family? Women can’t be journalists.”