Dorothy Parvaz, American citizen and Al Jazeera English journalist, missing in Syria

Al Jazeera English calls for the release of American-Canadian-Iranian journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who went missing in Syria 12 days ago. Her family fears the former Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter has been targeted, as many others have been, for being a journalist in Syria. (Here's the "Free Dorothy Parvaz" Facebook page.)

The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Syria to release Parvaz and another journalist being held, Al-Massae editor Rachid Nini, vowing that "A revolving door detention policy will not stop journalists from reporting on the country's uprising." (Syria has been detaining then releasing journalists, reportedly in an attempt at intimidation.) Reporters without Borders reports that Parvaz's detention is part of a larger sweep of journalists covering the pro-democracy protests in Syria.

Journalists are under fire worldwide, yet their role in informing us about these democracy movements -- not to mention their key role of holding governments and politicians accountable domestically and abroad -- is more important than ever. If you agree, please support groups like Reporters without Borders, The Committee to Protect Journalists, the World Press Freedom Committee, and many other global, regional and country-specific press freedom groups.

Earlier:
"Restrepo" director Tim Hetherington, Pulitzer-nominated photog Chris Hondros killed in Libya

War correspondent Janine diGiovanni discusses the dangers of international journalism

(Thanks, Jillia.)