Israeli journalist detained in Turkey near Syrian border
Turkish Police arrest TV crew led by Israeli after allegedly monitoring Turkish army
Roee Ruttenberg a 34-year-old Israeli journalist, who also carries an American passport, was arrested Saturday in Turkey near the Syrian border. He was reporting on the power vacuum in the Kurdish area in northern Syria.
Ruttenberg reported that the Turkish police, fearing he was documenting Turkish military activity in the area, checked his crew's electronic gear. Ruttenberg's crew includes a photographer and soundman, both Turkish.
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Ruttenberg writes for 972, an independent English language blog on Israel and the Palestinian territories.
After a few hours of interrogation at a Ceylanpinar police station in Urfa province, the police gave him back his cell phone. He told Ynet via email that he is well and receiving fair treatment.
"Two secret police officers spotted us filming from a rooftop the Syrian town – in full Kurdish control, meaning no Syrian troops or rebel fighters in sight," wrote Ruttenberg in his report.
He noticed the interrogators constantly uttering the word "Israeli" to each other. "No doubt my dual identity has confused them. It appears they’ll let us go soon," he added.
Ruttenberg has worked for ABC News, CCTV (Chinese Television) News and Al Jazeera.
His parents reside in Israel.
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