Security forces detained one of Syria’s most prominent transparency campaigners on Wednesday night in central Damascus, setting in motion a case that is already raising questions about the limits of accountability and free expression in the country’s post-Assad era.
Hassan Akkad, a Syrian-British filmmaker and activist known for his outspoken commentary on Syrian affairs, was detained following weeks of controversy surrounding Give Us the Money That You Owe, a campaign publicly questioning the whereabouts of funds allegedly pledged for relief, reconstruction and community initiatives across Syria.
Launched in April and focused on individuals and institutions that have publicly announced donations or financial commitments to Syrian reconstruction, the online campaign soon gained traction with its goal of ascertaining the status of the alleged contributions and the projects in need of support.
#Damascus: Influencer Hassan Akkad Detained by General Security Forces
Hassan Akkad, a Syrian social media influencer, was arrested this evening at a Damascus restaurant (source: Syria TV) hours after Foreign Policy published an article on him and his campaign.
