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Debra Tice's Urgent Press Conference on Austin Tice's Disappearance

In a poignant call for action, Debra Tice, the mother of journalist Austin Tice, is set to hold a press conference at the Press Freedom Center on Tuesday, December 9, at 10 AM. This event marks a significant moment, commemorating one year since the fall of Damascus, a pivotal point in Austin's ongoing disappearance.

Austin Tice, a freelance journalist and former Marine, vanished in Syria in 2012 while covering the civil war. His family has tirelessly campaigned for his release and has maintained hope that he may still be alive. Debra Tice will use this platform to express her concerns and outline the actions she believes the U.S. government should undertake to ensure the safe return of her son.

The press conference comes after noteworthy developments in U.S.-Syrian relations, especially following President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic visit to Washington. During this meeting, the issue of Austin's case was brought to the forefront, highlighting a renewed international focus on the plight of missing individuals in Syria. Al-Sharaa, who understands the complexities of captivity, has expressed optimism regarding efforts to locate Austin and many others who remain unaccounted for in the war-torn region.

During her remarks, Debra Tice intends to talk about the steps taken by the Syrian government to find not only her son but also the countless others who have disappeared. She will delve into what role allies such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany could play in supporting these efforts, as well as how influential nations like Russia and Israel might assist in gaining crucial insights regarding Austin's whereabouts.

Debra is particularly eager to discuss her challenges in locating Austin, which have been compounded by interactions with former President Bashar al-Assad, who has limited accessibility since the regime's downfall. Al-Assad, now reported to be in Moscow, could hold vital information about Tice’s fate, making his input a significant variable in the ongoing effort to locate missing journalists and civilians.

Moreover, Tice's appeal to Israel for assistance in the search for her son underscores the urgency of the situation. The U.S. government has been criticized for its slow response in urging the Israeli authorities to provide information that could help in the search for Austin. In a bid for greater involvement, Debra has personally contacted Israeli officials to seek more clarity and direction regarding her son.

As she prepares for this press conference, Debra Tice hopes to engage with the current administration, particularly Secretary Rubio and former President Trump, who has previously supported efforts to highlight Austin’s case. Ms. Tice believes that with the right political will and collaborative efforts, a pathway can be forged to bring her son back home.

This conference is not just a media event; it’s a heartfelt plea from a mother yearning for her son's safe return. The public is invited to attend, raising awareness about both Austin's case and the broader issue of journalists risking their lives in conflict zones around the world. To participate, registration is encouraged.

In a world where journalism faces increasing dangers, Debra Tice's relentless pursuit of justice for her son serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists. Her determination highlights the importance of advocacy and collaboration in addressing these critical human rights issues that deserve global attention.

For more information and to register for the event, please contact Bill McCarren at 202-662-7534 or via email at [email protected].