Activist Hassan Akkad Detained in Damascus

Hassan Akkad, a British Syrian activist known for his advocacy and documentary work, was recently taken into custody by security forces in Damascus. The detention, which occurred on Wednesday at approximately 9:45 PM local time (18:45 GMT) in the capital's al-Malki neighborhood, is believed to be linked to his online criticisms of a well-known journalist. Akkad was reportedly at a café when he was apprehended.

The incident appears to stem from a legal complaint filed by Syrian journalist and presenter Mousa al-Omar, concerning Akkad's social media activities and public statements. Akkad had previously been summoned by the cybersecurity branch on June 4, indicating an ongoing investigation prior to his arrest. Despite subsequent developments, Akkad remains in detention, with reports suggesting additional, unnamed complaints may have also been filed against him.

Background of the Dispute and Allegations

Hassan Akkad is the founder of the 'Give Us the Money That You Owe!' campaign, an initiative dedicated to tracking financial pledges made towards Syria's post-conflict reconstruction. His recent social media commentary had reportedly targeted Mousa al-Omar, accusing the journalist of failing to fulfill significant financial commitments—allegedly totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars—to the country's rehabilitation efforts. Akkad's campaign aims to ensure transparency and accountability for donations intended for Syria's recovery following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Following his initial summons by the cybersecurity branch, Akkad reportedly paused his online activities related to the case to allow the legal process to proceed without further complications. This step suggests an attempt to cooperate with authorities while the allegations were being investigated.

Legal Developments and Concerns

Public Prosecutor Judge Hossam Khattab confirmed Akkad's detention, stating it was based on a search warrant. However, Khattab also indicated that the specific case against Akkad had been dropped. Mousa al-Omar, the journalist who initially filed the complaint, corroborated this, informing Al Jazeera that he had instructed his lawyer to withdraw the case. Al-Omar expressed regret over the situation, stating, "I am sorry for what happened to Hassan as a result of his mistakes; I followed the legal path under the cybercrime law… Everything I pledged, amounting to $700,000 in projects and cash, was paid in the donations." His statement suggests a resolution to the initial complaint, yet Akkad's continued detention raises further questions.

Witnesses present at the café during Akkad's arrest recounted that five plainclothes security officers approached him, initially requesting his mobile phone before informing him of his arrest. Akkad's legal representatives have voiced concerns regarding the adherence to established legal protocols, noting that no clear legal basis for the arrest was presented at the time of his detention. This lack of immediate justification for the arrest has fueled skepticism about due process.

Implications for Freedom of Expression

The detention of Hassan Akkad, particularly in connection with his online commentary, has ignited broader discussions about freedom of expression in Syria. His campaign statement emphasized that if the allegations are indeed related to his online activities, the arrest raises significant concerns about the protection of free speech. Furthermore, the statement questioned the reported use of a cybersecurity law enacted during the previous al-Assad regime. Critics argue that relying on such legislation appears inconsistent with the interim government’s stated commitments to enhance protections for freedom of expression following the collapse of the former government.

Hassan Akkad, a refugee and former English teacher in his late 30s, gained international recognition for documenting his journey from Turkey to Europe after fleeing the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. During his previous time in Syria, he was arrested by al-Assad's authorities. He eventually settled in the United Kingdom in 2015, only returning to Syria years later after the former president's departure. His previous experiences with detention and his current situation underscore the precarious environment for activists and journalists in the region.

The current situation highlights the complex interplay between legal frameworks, political transitions, and individual rights in Syria. As Akkad remains detained despite the reported withdrawal of the initial complaint, observers continue to monitor the situation for further developments and implications for civil liberties in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera