Detained correspondent returns home from Syria

A week after Syria expelled another Reuters correspondent, Khalidi was released to cross back into Jordan, where he is based.

There was no word of Hariri, a Syrian based in Damascus. He disappeared in the capital after being seen arriving at work on Monday morning. A Syrian official has said authorities were working to establish what had happened to him.

Editor-in-chief Stephen Adler said: “Thomson Reuters is relieved that Suleiman is now free and has returned home. However, we remain deeply concerned about the whereabouts of Khaled and call upon the Syrian authorities again to help ensure his safe and timely return.”

Khalidi, a Jordanian who covered unrest which broke out in the Syrian city of Deraa two weeks ago, has worked for Reuters for more than 20 years, in Jordan, Kuwait, Syria and Iraq. Hariri has worked in Syria for Reuters for more than 20 years.

CLICK to read Suleiman al-Khalidi’s account of his treatment at the hands of Syrian intelligence published on 26 May 2011. ■