#FreeAustinTice trending on anniversary of kidnapping in Syria

The hashtag #FreeAustinTice trended on Twitter Wednesday, the seventh anniversary of the freelance journalist’s kidnapping in Syria.

Austin Tice, a former Marine, arrived in Syria in 2012 and traveled the region working for various news organizations before his disappearance.

{mosads}The identity of his captors and his current whereabouts remain unclear, though a video from five weeks after his capture was released, showing Tice bound and blindfolded. The State Department believes he remains alive.

“We know he’s alive because we’ve had information from the highest level of our government that he is,” mother Debra Tice told WBUR.

The National Press Club, which has pushed for his release, called on journalists to use the hashtag on Wednesday to “send a message that his freedom matters.” The group also created a website for people to send letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling for Tice’s release.

The Houston born 38-year-old is the only American journalist being held abroad.

“Austin Tice was abducted in Syria seven years ago today. No words can describe his family’s suffering, or our awe of their determination and perseverance,” former Secretary of State John Kerry tweeted.

Austin Tice was abducted in Syria seven years ago today. No words can describe his family’s suffering, or our awe of their determination and perseverance. Please read their open letter about the efforts to bring him home, and some things we can all do to help. #FreeAustinTice https://t.co/lVmpVmrdyd

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 14, 2019

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) described Tice as “someone who risked his life to report on the Syrian Civil War from the inside,” while Tice’s father shared a birthday message with the hashtag.

Happy 38th Birthday Austin! We are glad you were born! We are blessed to be your parents, sisters and brothers, family. The world is a better place with you in it. You will come safely home. We love you!#FreeAustinTice #AskAboutAustinTice

— Marc Tice (@MarcATice) August 11, 2019

Today, Austin starts his eighth year in captivity and I will continue to call on his captors to release him until he is freed. #FreeAustinTice https://t.co/2V43cODJnT

— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 14, 2019 

Journalist & veteran Austin Tice is about to begin his 8th year of captivity in Syria. His family is urging every American: ask your reps what they are doing to help #FreeAustinTice. I just asked @RepLoriTrahan @SenWarren and @SenMarkey. Ask yours here: https://t.co/o4IKxwRbL1

— Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) August 14, 2019

Since his arrest and detention in #Syria in 2012, Tice is still being held incommunicado, with no one taking responsibility for his welfare and his exact whereabouts unknown. This is a failure on all levels.
We can do much better for him. #FreeAustinTice https://t.co/LXy6QGzm77

— Jason Rezaian (@jrezaian) August 13, 2019