Syrian investigative reporters Hamoud Al-Mahmoud (left) and Ali Hasoun presenting their work at IMS on a visit to Scandinavia. Photo: Lotte Dahlmann/IMS

Syrian reporter Hamoud Mahmod has become a shining example for other reporters in Syria. Following a training course with Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) his investigations generated considerable attention when published in the Syrian press

At the age of 11 Hamoud Mahmod interviewed his neighbours about anything and everything occurring on the block. Growing up in the city of Ar-Raqqa, located in the poor north part of Syria, Hamoud always dreamt of becoming a journalist. In secondary school he got involved in the school radio activities, a first step towards what would become a future career.

A promising student

After finishing school, Hamoud managed to get into Journalism College in Damascus and when graduating he ranked number two in his class. In Syria, the top three students of the graduating class are guaranteed a job immediately after finishing college, and Hamoud was given a job within the news team of the Tishreen newspaper. It was not long before Hamoud was promoted, and asked to join the investigative team within the organisation. “This was my virgin phase as an investigative reporter”, Hamod says with a laugh.According to himself, the driving force for Hamoud has always been the urge to publish new and exclusive information. While working within the news department he used to tell his editors to send his reports straight into the trash bin if they did not contain unique new information.

Joining ARIJ

In early 2006 Hamoud was tipped off by a colleague about ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism). This organisation educates and coaches reporters in investigative reporting, and it was initiated by International Media Support and the Danish Association for Investigative Reporting. Hamoud was accepted to join ARIJ and attended his first workshop in April 2006. “This was an enlightening experience, and it changed everything I do professionally. Suddenly I was given the tools needed to really do a good job” he says.

Learning the basic methodology for investigative reporting also meant an increased sense of safety for Hamoud; “If I report only facts that I know for sure are true, I will be safe from prosecution and harassment” he states. Avoiding exaggerations and his own personal opinions has created credibility for Hamoud; “Working with ARIJ has been a turning point for me. Now I am very confident when I publish my reports."

Next stop: investigative reporting on Syrian TV

It looks like investigative reporting has taken root in Syria, and there seems to be a growing demand for investigative reports within all Syrian media. "This type of journalism is very much needed in Syria", says Hamoud. He used to be the target of severe criticism, but now papers are contacting him with requests to publish all reports done by reporters affiliated with ARIJ. Currently, Syrian TV is about to start up an investigative program, to be broadcast once a week. Who will be the producer? Hamoud of course!