Syrian activist and filmmaker Hassan Akkad has provided new details about his recent five-day detention in Damascus, explaining that his arrest was triggered by a complaint accusing him of “defamation, slander, and libel” filed by Syrian journalist Mousa al-Omar. Akkad also confirmed that additional legal actions remain active against him, brought by influential businessman Mohammad Hamsho.

Akkad said al-Omar has since withdrawn his complaint. However, two separate lawsuits filed by Hamsho—long associated with the former Syrian regime—are still pending. According to Akkad, the cases were submitted through two corporate entities, Al-Muttahida and Ratingo, following a digital advocacy campaign he led targeting the Sinalco beverage brand and a luxury hotel in the Yaafour area of rural Damascus.

Circumstances of the Arrest

In a statement on Instagram, Akkad recounted that on June 17 an eight-person armed patrol in civilian clothing—including one masked member of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)—detained him in Damascus. He said he requested to see official identification, an arrest warrant, and to contact his lawyer, but all three requests were denied.

Akkad described the masked operative as using aggressive, “tashbihi-style” language and threatening to arrest the companions who were with him. Once transported to the CID, however, Akkad said officers produced an official summons and later transferred him to the Criminal Investigation Directorate in Muadamiyat al-Sham, where he described the treatment as “humane and respectful.”

Akkad was released on June 21 after al-Omar publicly announced that he had dropped the charges. Al-Omar said his lawyer formally withdrew the complaint that morning, adding, “I have forgiven him for the sake of God Almighty; it pained me to see the situation he put himself in,” before wishing Akkad success in his work.

Public Prosecutor Outlines Legal Procedures

Amid widespread public interest, the Damascus Judiciary released a video statement featuring Hussam Khattab, the Public Prosecutor of Damascus, who outlined the legal steps leading to Akkad’s detention.

Khattab said al-Omar filed a petition on June 3 accusing Akkad of online defamation. The Cybercrime Prosecution reviewed the case and referred it to the Cybercrime Mitigation Branch of the CID to begin standard procedures. Investigators took testimony from al-Omar’s legal representative, and Akkad was summoned multiple times but did not appear.

As a result, prosecutors issued a search and locate warrant, closing the initial file on June 9. On June 17, CID personnel spotted Akkad in a Damascus neighborhood and dispatched a patrol to bring him in for questioning.

A background check revealed not only the active warrant but also several outstanding review notices tied to other cyber-defamation complaints filed by private citizens. Khattab said Akkad was held at the CID facility to record his statements pending completion of preliminary investigations before the case is referred to the competent judiciary.

Public Reaction and Broader Context

Akkad’s detention sparked widespread debate across social media, drawing reactions from activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Critics condemned the arrest, noting that it was carried out under the controversial Cybercrime Law, originally enacted by the deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Supporters of al-Omar, however, argued that the matter was a legitimate legal dispute over personal defamation.

The arrest coincided with Akkad’s announcement that he was resuming his digital accountability campaign, “Hato Al-Floos Elli Alaykom” (“Hand Over the Money You Owe”), which pressures individuals and entities to fulfill unkept financial pledges.

Who Is Hassan Akkad?

Hassan Akkad is a prominent Syrian digital creator and activist known for his online campaigns exposing corruption, unfulfilled donations, and alleged profiteering schemes. His work has included high-profile campaigns targeting businessman Mohammad Hamsho, whom activists accuse of illicitly profiting from the rubble of war-damaged homes and monopolizing the scrap-metal trade in cooperation with the former Syrian government.

Akkad was arrested multiple times during the early years of the Syrian uprising and subjected to torture. He fled Syria in mid-2012, spending three years in transit through Turkey before settling in the United Kingdom. Before 2011, he worked as an English teacher and continues to publish English-language commentary and satirical content on developments in Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.