In an alarming incident that underscores ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Syria, British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad has been detained by security forces. His arrest follows critical comments made on social media regarding a prominent Syrian journalist, Mousa al-Omar, who had previously lodged a complaint against him. This situation not only raises significant questions about the safeguarding of individual rights but also highlights the difficult balancing act activists face in advocating for change in a complex political landscape.
British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad has been detained by security forces in Damascus following comments he made on social media that criticized a prominent journalist. Akkad, who is known for founding the “Give Us the Money That You Owe!” campaign focused on securing financial commitments for Syria’s reconstruction, was taken into custody on Wednesday evening while at a café in the al-Malki neighborhood of the capital.
Reports indicate that his detention is linked to a legal complaint lodged by Syrian journalist Mousa al-Omar concerning Akkad’s online activities and public statements. It is believed that prior to his arrest, Akkad had been summoned by the cybersecurity branch of the Syrian authorities earlier in June. Current information confirms that he remains in custody.
Akkad’s campaign aims to track and promote financial commitments directed at rebuilding Syria since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. His criticisms of al-Omar stem from allegations that the journalist had failed to fulfill financial pledges made for the country’s rehabilitation. However, following Akkad’s arrest, al-Omar expressed regret about the incident, stating that he had instructed his lawyer to withdraw the complaint, revealing a level of empathy towards Akkad’s circumstances.
Eyewitness accounts report that five plainclothes security officers entered the café and, after initially requesting Akkad’s mobile phone, formally informed him of his arrest. The legal basis for his detention has been questioned by his lawyers, with concerns raised about whether the authorities adhered to established legal procedures. Reports suggest that no formal justifications were provided during his arrest, raising broader implications regarding the right to freedom of expression in Syria, particularly under the cybersecurity laws enacted during al-Assad’s regime.
For Akkad, a former English teacher and an accomplished documentary filmmaker who fled to Europe during Syria’s civil war, this situation not only poses personal risks but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by activists seeking reforms and support for their homeland. As Syria continues to navigate its path toward recovery, the incident casts a shadow over any aspirations for increased protections for civil liberties and underscores the ongoing risks faced by those speaking out for change.
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