(Screenshot via YouTube)
Longtime readers of Above the Law will remember the story of Austin Tice, the Georgetown law student who was kidnapped while he worked as a freelance journalist in war-torn Syria, armed only with a camera. Tice had not been heard from since about August 13, 2012, until a video surfaced in October 2012 of him being held hostage by people who appeared to be Islamist militants. You can watch that disturbing video below:
No one has been able to make contact with Austin Tice for the past six years, but with the government’s support, his parents are holding out hope that he is still alive.
As part of their campaign to raise awareness about their son’s disappearance, Debra and Mark Tice have submitted photos he took of Syrian children to be exhibited at the National Press Club, and donated his shoes, notebook, and some personal items to be exhibited at Washington’s Newseum. As noted by Karen Sloan at Law.com, the government is actively working to bring Tice home:
Austin Tice
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday confirmed during a press conference that authorities are still working on his release.
“We believe him to be alive,” said department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. “We remain deeply concerned about his wellbeing and we’re actively working to bring Austin Tice home.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in April announced a $1 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts and safe return.
The Tices appeared on the Today Show earlier this week, and say they’ve been in touch with President Trump to discuss their son’s disappearance, telling Savannah Guthrie that “[f]or us, this administration is really gung-ho, so to speak. They have such a commitment. We’ve seen them bring so many people home already. We know that our president is really committed that Americans will not be held against their will.”
Last year, the New York Times reported that the CIA had been in talks with the Syrian government for Tice’s release, but those talks broke down after the U.S. launched a missile strike in response to a nerve gas attack by Syrian forces.
Despite the length of Austin Tice’s captivity, his parents say they “know he is alive and we’re sure he wants to come home.” After six years, we certainly hope that the Tices will receive some good news soon and that their son will be released.
Vigil for Return of Kidnapped Georgetown 2L Regains Momentum [Law.com]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Government Believes Georgetown Law Student Kidnapped In Syria Is Alive curated from Above the Law
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