The family of journalist Austin Tice is deeply upset over a CNN report indicating that their son, who was kidnapped by the Assad regime in Syria 13 years ago, is likely dead.
This report, aired and published on Tuesday, is anchored in the claims of Bassam al-Hassan, a former associate of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has been charged with war crimes.
Hassan alleged that he received orders from Assad to execute Tice in 2013, and that his subordinates carried out the act. “Of course Austin is dead. Austin is dead,” Hassan stated during the CNN interview.
However, the Tice family points out that Hassan has been previously questioned by the FBI regarding these accusations and did not pass a polygraph test—a detail the family insists CNN hasn’t made clear.
Deborah Tice, Austin’s mother, commented, “CNN published this article without considering the impact it’s had on our family.”
A former Marine, Tice began his journalism career as a freelancer in 2012, covering the early days of Syria’s civil conflict. His work appeared in outlets like the Washington Post and CBS News.
While reporting in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus, he was abducted by the Assad regime on August 13, 2012.
A video emerged in September 2012 showing a blindfolded Tice being led away by individuals believed to be jihadists. He could be heard reciting a religious declaration while his captors chanted. U.S. authorities determined the video was staged, stating the supposed terrorists were actually Syrian soldiers in disguise.
It’s believed he has been held in various prisons across Syria since then.
Deborah described Hassan as a “pathological liar” and accused CNN of legitimizing his statements, saying they’ve gone “insane” in doing so.
She believes Hassan is trying to portray himself as someone willing to assist the U.S. in resolving Austin’s case, but she doubts he knows the truth about her son’s fate.
Despite the overwhelming despair, she continues to hold on to hope that her son is alive, calling CNN’s report “another knife in our stomachs.”
The FBI has searched for Tice in Syria but has found no evidence supporting his death.
A State Department representative assured the Post that the U.S. is dedicated to locating and securing the release of Tice and other detained Americans.
President Trump remarked in May that Tice hasn’t been seen for years.
For a decade, Deborah has tirelessly worked for her son’s rescue, engaging with multiple administrations and even traveling to Damascus to meet with the newly sworn-in Syrian President.
She recalled seeing a son of another prisoner who, like Austin, was captured during a turbulent time. She noted that they shared a strong bond with their families, which deepened her connection with the other mother, who also refuses to believe her son has died.
Deborah mentioned that after meeting with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in April, she felt encouraged by information suggesting her son could still be alive, at least into October 2024.
Reflecting on Austin, whom she described as a natural leader for his six younger brothers and a cherished “big brother,” she expressed how his absence has changed her life.
Deborah lamented that his capture thrust her into a harsh reality, one that she, as a stay-at-home mom, was ill-equipped to handle.
Even though she’s grown skeptical about his current situation, she remains hopeful, saying that she’s eager for the day they can finally reunite. “He’s an incredible hugger. I really miss those hugs,” she concluded.
