CNN Investigating Identity of Prisoner Freed in Clarissa Ward Video: He ‘May Have Given a False Identity’

CNN responded Sunday to reports the network and chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward may have been duped by a so-called Syrian prisoner — a man who could actually be a first lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence — and acknowledged they are investigating the man’s identity. “We have subsequently been investigating his background and are aware that he may have given a false identity,” a CNN spokesperson told TheWrap.

“No one other than the CNN team was aware of our plans to visit the prison building featured in our report that day.  The events transpired as they appear in our film,” CNN said in a statement. “The decision to release the prisoner featured in our report was taken by the guard – a Syrian rebel.”