As images of well-known Syrian actors filming a series titled “Caesar” began circulating on social media, a wave of anger and disappointment swept through the Syrian community. The series, which revolves around the infamous Sednaya prison, known as the “human slaughterhouse,” has drawn significant criticism from Syrians both within and outside the country.

Public Outcry and Filming Halt

The controversy escalated quickly. A Facebook user claiming to be the real “Caesar,” the Syrian military photographer Farid Al-Mazman, commented on the post, asserting his ownership of the name. Local Syrian news sites circulated the “decision” to halt filming the series, which was set to air during the month of Ramadan, a time when Syrian drama typically competes with numerous series from various Arab countries.

Series Details and Controversial Figures

The series “Caesar” is produced by Power Production and directed by Safwan Mustafa Nemo. It includes thirty episodes and features a script co-written by several notable Syrian writers, including Naguib Naseer, Adnan Odeh, Zuhair Al-Mulla, and Muayyad Al-Nabulsi. The series is named after the pseudonym used by Farid Al-Mazman, a military photographer who defected in 2013 and leaked thousands of photographs documenting the atrocities committed by the Assad regime.

Farid Al-Mazman, who adopted the pseudonym “Caesar” for protection, promoted the series as the first Syrian drama to be produced after the fall of the Assad regime. However, many Syrians have criticized the series, describing it as “trading with the Syrian suffering.”

Criticism and Participation of Controversial Actors

The announcement of the series sparked numerous criticisms. The primary issues were the speed at which the series was produced and the participation of Ghassan Masoud, a Syrian actor known for his pro-regime stance. Many Syrians shared an old interview where Masoud defended the former Syrian regime and the role of the Syrian army, leading to widespread criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.

In response to these criticisms, Naguib Naseer, one of the writers, clarified his involvement in the series. He stated that he had previously written 15 episodes and intensified his work into three episodes, unaware that the series was titled “Caesar.”

“What I dealt with is ‘the legal or legitimate aspect of the issue of political prison, and the imprisonment of the prisoner and his interaction with the family and society after his release from prison,'” Naguib Naseer.

Naseer emphasized that his work focused on the legal and psychological aspects of political detention rather than documenting the diaries or experiences of political detainees. He also noted that his story ends in 2008, three years before the uprising against the Syrian regime.

Regarding Ghassan Masoud, Naseer expressed his opposition to excluding anyone based on their past political positions, stating, “This is a citizen who must respect all his rights, even if it is wrong.”

Farid Al-Mazman’s Stance

Farid Al-Mazman, who revealed his identity as “Caesar,” posted on Facebook that he had not given approval for any artistic work bearing his name. He stated, “Caesar is an icon and part of the great history of Syria. Any use of this name is from Syrian, Arab or foreign creative works, whose responsibility is on the responsibility of users.“

Public Figures and Activists Speak Out

Wafa Bint Ali Mustafa, a Syrian journalist and activist who was detained for 12 years, published a video on Facebook demanding the complete suspension of the series. Wafa, known for her advocacy for forcibly absent and detained individuals, described the announcement of filming the series inside real prisons as a “disaster.”

“Thousands of Syrians are still asking about the details of the truth of what happened to their families,” Wafa Bint Ali Mustafa.

Wafa emphasized her refusal to allow any director or actor to “forge the truth” about the atrocities committed in Syrian prisons.

National Drama Committee’s Response

The National Drama Committee in Syria issued a statement announcing a temporary halt to the filming of the series until its name is changed and the list of participants is reconsidered. The committee clarified that the dramatic content of the work does not deal with the globally known issue of Caesar, which affects the conscience and humanity of every free Syrian.

Implications and Future Developments

The controversy surrounding “Caesar” highlights the deep-seated emotions and political divisions within the Syrian community. As the series was set to air during Ramadan, a time of heightened cultural and religious significance, the backlash underscores the sensitivity of the subject matter. The involvement of controversial figures like Ghassan Masoud has further complicated the narrative, dividing public opinion and raising questions about artistic integrity and political neutrality.

This situation mirrors similar controversies in the U.S., such as the backlash against films or TV shows that depict sensitive historical events or involve controversial figures. For example, the 2019 film “The Irishman,” directed by Martin Scorsese, faced criticism for its portrayal of organized crime figures and their alleged connections to the U.S. government.

As the Syrian community awaits further developments, the controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and the responsibility to accurately portray historical events and the suffering of real people.