BERLIN — German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann was released from a prison in Damascus on Friday and arrived in Berlin the same day. Michelmann, 36, was detained by Syrian government forces in January.

Michelmann, who is from Cologne, Germany, had been working as a reporter in Syria since 2022 for Istanbul-based Etkin News Agency ETHA and Özgür TV. She was arrested on January 18 in the city of Raqqa, during the takeover of Raqqa by Syrian government forces. The Syrian Information Ministry stated that two foreign nationals were arrested during the operation in Raqqa. The ministry later said that Michelmann initially claimed to be a Spanish national working for a United Nations-affiliated organization, but an inquiry with the U.N. found no missing staff in the area.

Roland Meister, Michelmann's lawyer, said, "She's doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances." He added, "This cautious wording is not an all-clear as to the physical and psychological consequences of her detention." He thanked staff from the German foreign ministry and German embassies in Damascus and Beirut for their assistance. Martin Giese, spokesperson for the German Foreign Office, stated, "The federal government is, of course, very relieved that Ms. Michelmann has been released." Giese added, "From the very first day we learned of her arrest, we have worked very, very hard to secure her release."

The Syrian Information Ministry later confirmed it was established that Michelmann was a German journalist. Michelmann spent an extended period in solitary confinement. The ministry also reported that Michelmann and her companion attempted to escape from custody. Ahmet Polad, a Turkish citizen who also worked for Etkin News Agency ETHA and Özgür TV, was detained alongside Michelmann in January.

Polad has not been freed, and his whereabouts are unclear. "We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ahmet Polad," Meister said. He added that unrestricted access to Polad must be provided for doctors, lawyers, and his family. Antonius Michelmann, Eva Maria Michelmann's brother, expressed his relief at her freedom. "I am immensely relieved that my sister is now free," Antonius Michelmann said. "This was only possible because of the tremendous solidarity shown to Eva and Ahmet and to both our families," he added. "It is now high time for Ahmet to be released as well," he said.