Press Freedom Center Announces Major Conference on Austin Tice Case
WASHINGTON D.C. – July 25, 2025 – The Press Freedom Center is set to host a comprehensive, all-day conference dedicated to the ongoing case of Austin Tice, an American journalist who has been held captive in Syria since 2012. The event, scheduled for August 14th, will bring together leading voices in journalism, human rights advocacy, diplomacy, and Tice’s own family to examine the critical issues surrounding his continued detention and to strategize for his safe return.
Austin Tice, a freelance journalist and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was kidnapped in Damascus, Syria, on August 14, 2012, while reporting on the Syrian civil war. His case has become a poignant symbol of the dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones and the challenges of securing the release of unjustly detained individuals. Despite years of efforts by his family, advocacy groups, and various government agencies, Tice remains in captivity.
The conference, held on what marks the 13th anniversary of his disappearance, aims to reignite public awareness and galvanize continued action on Tice’s behalf. It will feature a diverse range of sessions designed to provide a holistic understanding of the complexities of his situation and the broader implications for press freedom globally.
Key discussions are expected to include:
- The Current Status of the Austin Tice Case: An in-depth briefing on the latest information available regarding Tice’s whereabouts and well-being, along with an overview of ongoing diplomatic and investigative efforts.
- The Role of Journalism in Conflict Zones: An examination of the vital importance of independent reporting from dangerous environments and the ethical considerations involved.
- Advocacy and Family Efforts: Insights from Tice’s family and their dedicated advocacy teams on their relentless pursuit of his release and the strategies employed to keep his case in the spotlight.
- The International Landscape of Hostage-Taking and Wrongful Detention: A broader discussion on the global trends of journalists being targeted and detained, and the international frameworks and challenges in addressing these issues.
- Diplomatic and Humanitarian Pathways to Resolution: Conversations with experts on diplomatic negotiations, humanitarian interventions, and the potential avenues for securing Tice’s freedom.
- Mobilizing Public Support and Future Action: Strategies for sustaining public engagement and directing support towards actionable steps to aid Tice’s release.
The Press Freedom Center, a staunch advocate for journalists’ rights and safety worldwide, is organizing this event with the hope of fostering meaningful dialogue and generating renewed momentum for Tice’s homecoming. The conference will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, building solidarity, and reinforcing the collective commitment to ensuring that journalists like Austin Tice can report the truth without fear of reprisal and return safely to their loved ones.
Further details regarding the conference agenda, speakers, and registration will be announced by the Press Freedom Center in the coming weeks. The organization encourages all interested parties, including journalists, human rights advocates, policymakers, and members of the public, to mark their calendars and lend their support to this crucial cause.
Press Freedom Center to Host All-Day Conference on Austin Tice Case on Aug. 14
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