Austin Tice Freedom Clock to move outdoors for public viewing, Saturday

The Austin Tice Freedom Clock, which was unveiled in the lobby of the National Press Club during the pandemic, will make its first appearance outdoors for the public to see on Saturday, Aug. 14, at noon.

The Freedom Clock, which shows a running tally of the time journalist Austin Tice has been held hostage in Syria, will be on the sidewalk at 529 14th Street NW near the entrance of the National Press Building.

There will be a short program beginning at noon, but for those who wish to come by and take a photo with the clock and show support for Tice by posting on social media, the clock will be in place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Club asks its members, Washington journalists and other members of the press freedom Community to come by and show support.

Saturday's ceremony and public viewing of the clock marks the ninth anniversary of Tice's abduction, and comes three days after his birthday (today, Aug. 11).

A Polk Award-winning journalist, he  was abducted Aug. 14, 2012, as he was wrapping up a reporting trip in Syria. He worked for McClatchy Newspapers, The Washington Post and CBS News on a freelance basis.

Tice traveled to Syria at a time when few journalists were working there because of safety concerns. He wanted to help document the events on the ground that were leading to the greatest refugee crisis since World War II. A former Marine Captain, Tice had training and skills that helped him work in the difficult conditions found in Syria.

The National Press Club, the Tice Family, the Washington Post Press Freedom Partnership and other organizations are calling attention to the fact that Austin is also turning 40 this month. He has spent nearly all of his 30s held hostage. In remarks at the event, Club President Lisa Nicole Matthews will call on the Biden administration to press engagement with Syria to obtain freedom for Tice.

The Club announced last week that it launched a Change.org petition to encourage support for Tice. You may sign the online petition here.

For more information on Tice's case visit the Tice Family website.