Japanese journalist kidnapped in Syria defends going to warzone

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AFP Tokyo
Last Updated : Nov 02 2018 | 4:10 PM IST

A Japanese journalist held hostage in Syria for more than three years said the media must continue to take risks covering warzones to keep the world's attention focused on those caught up in conflicts.

Jumpei Yasuda, 44, was kidnapped in Syria the same day he entered the country in June 2015, sparking a lengthy ordeal that he described as "hell".

The freelance journalist has faced harsh criticism in some quarters of Japan for venturing into an active warzone.

But he defended himself on Friday during his first press conference in Japan since his release last month.

"When there are things like a violent conflict happening somewhere on earth, there is absolutely a need for journalists who will go there and see what is happening," he said.

"You need information from third parties, not just information from governments."

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First Published: Nov 02 2018 | 4:10 PM IST

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