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Syrian authorities release BAFTA-winning filmmaker Hassan Akkad after cybercrime arrest
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Crime & Justice

Syrian authorities release BAFTA-winning filmmaker Hassan Akkad after cybercrime arrest

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Syrian authorities released BAFTA-winning filmmaker and activist Hassan Akkad four days after his arrest for alleged cybercrimes.
  • Akkad was detained in Damascus on June 17 following accusations of defamation and slander, primarily from journalist Moussa al Omar.
  • His release followed the withdrawal of formal charges and a statement of forgiveness from al Omar, though other complaints may have been filed.

Syrian authorities have released Hassan Akkad, a BAFTA-winning filmmaker and activist, after his detention for alleged cybercrimes. Akkad, known for his work on the BBC documentary series "Exodus: Our Journey to Europe," was arrested in Damascus on June 17. His release was confirmed through social media posts from associates, signaling a swift resolution to a case that had drawn widespread condemnation.

Finally, good news from Syria, where Hassan Akkad is physically free!

— Mai ElSadanyExecutive Director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, commenting on Akkad's release via X.

The arrest stemmed from accusations of cybercrimes, including defamation and slander, reportedly filed by journalist Moussa al Omar. Akkad, who also founded a campaign tracking unfulfilled donation promises for Syria's reconstruction, was detained at a restaurant. Sources suggested a second complaint might be linked to businessman Mohamed Hamsho, another target of Akkad's campaign, though this remains unconfirmed by authorities.

The Syrian Ministry of Information attempted mediation between Akkad and al Omar without success. Human rights organizations, including the Syrian Center for Justice and Accountability, criticized the detention, calling it "a disgrace." Akkad, a Syrian refugee, gained recognition for filming his perilous journey from Damascus to the UK in 2015, which formed a significant part of the BAFTA-winning documentary.

Hassan is free

— Faisal al AswadAkkad's friend, commenting on a social media photo showing them together.

Journalist Moussa al Omar announced on Sunday that his legal representative had formally withdrawn all accusations against Akkad. Al Omar stated he had "forgiven Akkad for the sake of God" and wished him success in his future social media endeavors. The exact details surrounding Akkad's release and the resolution of any other potential legal follow-ups were not immediately provided.

forgiven Akkad for love of God

— Moussa al OmarStated in a Facebook post announcing the withdrawal of formal accusations against Akkad.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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