Syrian Culture Minister Apologizes Following Controversial Visit
April 19, 2025, 11:01 am

Syrian Culture Minister Apologizes Following Controversial Visit

وزير الثقافة السوري

Syrian Culture Minister Muhammad al-Salih issued a public apology after his visit to the residence of a person accused of involvement in violations against Syrians during the previous regime sparked a wave of controversy on social media.

Al-Salih appeared alongside Jamal al-Shara, the brother of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, in a video clip from Farhan al-Marsoumi's residence in the capital, Damascus, which caused outrage among many Syrians who accused the latter of ties to the previous regime and Iranian militias. The minister and Jamal al-Shara were documented at the residence, amidst a crowd of attendees, where they were presented with a cloak as a gift from al-Marsoumi.

This visit was the first for Jamal al-Shara following his brother Ahmad al-Shara's assumption of the presidency during the transitional period.

In a post on "X," the Culture Minister stated: "I am daily requested to take hundreds of photos with people, and I cannot know their backgrounds or affiliations." He added: "I apologize to the great Syrian people for any unintended photo with anyone associated with the previous regime."

Footage of the minister with Jamal al-Shara circulated widely, with activists criticizing al-Salih's appearance alongside a figure linked to the previous regime. Several commenters also reshared old clips showing portraits of Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad being displayed at the residence before the fall of the regime.

At the end of last month, President Ahmad al-Shara announced the formation of the new government that will lead the country during the transitional phase, stating that this step reflects their will to build a new state. Al-Salih had stood out during the announcement ceremony by delivering a notable speech that included poetry reflecting his objectives for the ministry.

While Foreign Minister As'ad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra retained their positions, Anas Khattab was appointed Minister of Interior, who had held the position of Head of Intelligence after the fall of the Assad regime.

Al-Shara emphasized that "this government will seek to rebuild state institutions on the foundations of accountability and transparency, and will work on opening new horizons in education and health."

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