Human rights activist arrested by Damascus authorities over social media content

Lead

Hassan Akkad, a Syrian-British activist and award-winning documentarian, has been released from a prison in Damascus after four days in detention, according to reports from Al Jazeera and The Jerusalem Post. Akkad, who founded the "Give Us the Money That You Owe!" campaign, was taken into custody on Wednesday at approximately 9:45 p.m. local time from a cafe in the al-Maliki neighborhood, as confirmed by multiple sources.

His arrest and subsequent release have drawn attention to the ongoing use of Assad-era legislation against those who criticize public figures in Syria. The case centered on a legal complaint filed by prominent Syrian journalist Mousa al-Omar, who later withdrew it, leading to Akkad's release.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera's reporting focused on the timeline of events, providing details of Akkad's detention, the complaint, and his eventual release. The Jerusalem Post emphasized the legal framework behind the arrest, specifically citing Decree 66, a cybercrime law that penalizes slander, defamation, and content deemed a crime against the Constitution. Bassam Alahmad, co-founder of the human rights group Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), told The Jerusalem Post that the case illustrates how the new authorities are using Assad-era laws to "prosecute opponents who don't agree with them."

While Al Jazeera's coverage was more neutral in tone, The Jerusalem Post adopted a critical stance, framing the arrest as an example of how such laws are used to "silence" activists. Both outlets agreed on the core facts: Akkad was detained over social media posts and released after al-Omar withdrew his complaint.

Key Claims

• Akkad was arrested in Damascus on Wednesday over social media posts criticizing wealthy businessmen, according to associates and Arab media reports.
• The arrest followed a legal complaint filed by Syrian journalist and presenter Mousa al-Omar, related to Akkad's criticism of al-Omar for allegedly failing to fulfill financial pledges made during a donation drive for Syria's reconstruction.
• Akkad was taken into custody from a cafe in the al-Maliki neighborhood at about 9:45 p.m. local time, as stated by his organization.
• Public Prosecutor Judge Hossam Khattab confirmed that Akkad had been detained due to warrants issued for failing to appear before the Cybercrime Control Division, and that the case was later dropped.
• Akkad had previously been imprisoned by the Assad regime for documenting anti-government protests and fled Syria in 2015 after being physically assaulted, as noted by The Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

The case has sparked debate about the balance between free speech and legal accountability in post-Assad Syria. Supporters of Akkad, including Bassam Alahmad, argue that the use of Decree 66 represents a troubling continuity with the previous regime, allowing authorities to curb dissent under the guise of cybercrime prosecution. They call for judicial reform to prevent such laws from being misused.

On the other hand, Mousa al-Omar, through statements to Al Jazeera, expressed regret over Akkad's detention, stating that he had followed the legal path under the cybercrime law and that his pledges, amounting to $700,000, had been fully paid. He said he instructed his lawyer to drop the complaint, leading to Akkad's release.

The Syrian government has not responded to requests for comment on the arrest, leaving some questions unanswered about the broader context and the role of other plaintiffs who had reportedly filed additional cases against Akkad for slander and defamation.