#United States #National Press Club #Press Freedom #Austin Tice #Washington, DC

Family of Journalist Austin Tice to Address Press

In a crucial event for press freedom advocates, the family of Austin Tice, a U.S. journalist abducted in Syria since 2012, is scheduled to hold a news conference on December 6, 2024. This gathering will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., following a significant meeting they will have at the White House earlier that day. The conference is part of the newly established Press Freedom Center program, which aims to highlight the challenges faced by journalists globally, particularly those who have been unjustly detained.

This press conference is especially poignant, as it will mark the first time in over a decade that the entire Tice family will come together in Washington, D.C., to publicly advocate for Austin’s release. The Tice family, including Debra Tice (mother), Marc Tice (father), and several siblings, plan to speak about their recent developments and what they've learned regarding Austin’s situation during their White House meeting. Austin Tice is currently recognized as the longest-held U.S. journalist in captivity, with a distressing record of 12 years and 4 months being detained abroad. His story has become a rallying point for many advocating for press freedom and the safety of journalists around the world.

During this event, family members will share insights that they’ve gathered over the years, including what they hope will be new leads or developments regarding Austin's fate. "It’s important that the public is aware that Austin is not just a statistic; he is a son, a brother, and an important voice for many,” shared Debra Tice. The family is expected to reveal details from their White House meeting, a critical gathering that aims to bring government attention to Austin's case, as well as share their ongoing efforts to ensure his safe return.

Austin Tice worked as a freelance journalist for McClatchy, The Washington Post, and CBS while covering the Syrian conflict when he was captured. His abduction has garnered significant media attention over the years, with various U.S. administrations working to negotiate for his release. President Biden, in a statement last year, confirmed that Austin is held by Syrian authorities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing his freedom.

The press conference will be held at the National Press Club, located at 529 14th Street NW, starting at 2:30 PM EDT on December 6. The event is open to credentialed press and National Press Club members, and those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP.

For media who cannot attend in person, there will be a livestream available through the National Press Club’s official website, providing access for broader audiences interested in this critical issue. Bill McCarren, the Director of the Press Freedom Center, is available for comments and can be reached for inquiries related to the conference.

As the world watches closely, the Tice family’s heartfelt plea for Austin’s return serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required in the fight for press freedom and human rights. The family's unwavering commitment to raising awareness about Austin's plight resonates deeply within the journalism community and among advocates for freedom of speech.