Mohammad Yaqoub al-Omar (Arabic: محمد يعقوب العمر) is the former Minister of Information in the first Syrian Transitional Government.[1] He had previously served as Minister of Information in the Syrian Salvation Government in its seventh term[2] until December 2024.
Early life and education
Al-Omar was born in the town of Khan al-Sabil in Idlib Governorate. He holds a degree in political science and is pursuing a master’s degree in journalism and media.[2]
Activity during the civil war
Al-Omar joined the Syrian revolution in 2011 and became active in public mobilization. From 2012 to 2019, he played a big role in covering major battles in northern Syria as a journalist.[2]
He served as a member of the media office of the Army of Conquest and contributed to the establishment of the Media Directorate within the Syrian Salvation Government. In 2019, he co-founded the Shaam News Network, which focuses on delivering news from opposition-controlled areas.[2]
In 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime and the decision that ministers of the salvation government will serve in the same roles in the transitional government until March 2025, al-Omar began serving as minister of information in the Syrian transitional government under prime minister Mohammed al-Bashir.[1]
Career
Al-Omar's tenure as Minister of Information is characterized by efforts to reform Syria's media landscape, promoting transparency and freedom of expression during a pivotal period in the nation's history. As he stated to Agence-France Presse: "We are working to consolidate freedoms of the press and expression that were severely restricted".[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b "الحكومة السورية الانتقالية برئاسة البشير تتسلم مقاليد السلطة في دمشق" [The Syrian Transitional Government headed by al-Bashir assumes power in Damascus]. Al Jazeera (in Arabic). 10 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d "حكومة الإنقاذ السورية: وزير الإعلام" [Syrian Salvation Government: Minister of Information (Media)]. Syrian Salvation Government (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 9 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ "Syrias new Information Minister promises free press". LBCIV7. 1 January 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
Notes
- ^ In the first transitional government
- ^ As de facto leader until 29 January 2025.