I was 16 when uprisings began in my hometown. At first exciting, a few years later I was displaced with my family and forced to leave my home behind, as my city was bombed by the Assad Regime, allies of Russia and Iran. I wanted to document the brutal human rights violations being perpetrated in Syria, but I was young and afraid. Years later, in 2017, I decided I had to do something to tell the world about the human rights atrocities occurring inside of Syria. So I borrowed a camera from a friend and began.
In 2019, as a result of my journalistic endeavors and my use of social media, my home was targeted and our house was destroyed. My Aunt was killed and many family members injured. I used social media to connect with other journalists and share information even though it was dangerous. Because of the local and international attention my posts were receiving, my Twitter account was suspended, although it was later reinstated. Still, I cannot speak openly about Syria lest I get arrested or possibly killed. To be a journalist and human rights defender in Syria means that your life is always in danger. In Syria truth is punished. Carrying a camera can be worse than carrying a weapon. Further, I am documenting bombings and never know if me or my footage will make it out alive.
Despite all of this I refuse to give up. Today I use my social media accounts to share my coverage about what is going on in Ukraine, Syria and the Middle East. I am eager and determined to share with the world the war crimes that continue to this day. But in order to continue my valuable coverage I am in need of modern equipment. What I am using now is outdated and difficult to use for documenting war coverage.
That is why I humbly ask for help in order to purchase modern equipment Its cost is approximately $3,500.
I would be grateful for any help in buying these items so that the quality of my images are good and I can continue with my important work. My greatest wish is that the senseless wars and killings will end. but until then I will strive to cover and document human rights to the best of my ability. Please Help me to continue to show the world what Russia leaves in its wake.
Thank you
faredalmahlool | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
Learn more about my work:
- A very adorable puppy named Bobe was rescued from the site of the Baghdadi raid after its mother was killed in the action
- https://www.cnn.co.jp/amp/article/35144825.html?__twitter_impression=true
- Puppy orphaned during ISIS leader raid finds new home - The Jerusalem Post
- https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/puppy-orphaned-baghdadi-adopted.amp?cmpid=prn_newsstand
- Puppy orphaned in raid that killed IS leader | Video Sky
- Meet Bobe, the other dog at the Baghdadi raid | CNN
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/08/22/russia-massacres-civilians-in-syria-idlib-region/
- Fared Al Mahlool - New Lines Magazine
- Travel YouTubers Flock to Syria, Critics Say Whitewashing Assad Regime