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Hassan Akkad: Hamsho tried to silence me with money and threats through Maysaa Qabbani.
Syrian director and activist Hassan Akkad has revealed new details in his confrontation with businessman Mohamed Hamsho, accusing Hamsho of attempting to silence his campaigns through inducement and intimidation. In a media interview, Akkad said calls reached two people in his circle, and in one case an offer of money was made in exchange for his silence; he declined to name the two individuals to protect their safety.
Akkad said Hamsho used Syrian‑American activist Maysaa Qabbani to communicate with him, and that the messages escalated to threats that Hamsho could and would file lawsuits against them. He described the pressure tactics as including a monetary offer for silence and threats of defamation suits.
The dispute stems from Akkad’s "Bring Back the Money You Owe" campaign, launched to pursue declared financial commitments in fundraising campaigns, which later expanded to target businesses linked to Hamsho. Broadcaster Mousa Al‑Amr also became involved after Akkad demanded he fulfill a financial pledge, turning the disagreement into a public dispute and legal case.
On June 17, criminal security authorities arrested Akkad in Damascus on complaints related to slander and defamation; he was released on June 21 after Al‑Amr withdrew his suit. Hamsho, however, filed two lawsuits through his companies "Al‑Muttahida" and "Retingo" concerning Akkad’s campaign targeting Sinalco and a hotel in Yafour.
Akkad’s latest testimony reopens the issue of the pressures he says he faced, now including names and details not previously disclosed. Neither Mohamed Hamsho nor Maysaa Qabbani has commented on the accusations.
