The Syrian Coalition decries in an official statement the Syrian Artists Association’s decision to dismiss 30 pro-revolution members, describing the decision as invalid and reflects the tyrannical mentality of those behind it. The dismissed members include prominent actors such as Abdul Hakim Kotaivan, Mazen Al-Natour, Jalal-al-Tawil, Maxim Khalil, Jamal Suleiman and the writer Samir Radwan. “The side that made this unfair decision is the same side that has been raining rockets and barrel bombs on Syrians and shedding their blood. The defiant stance taken by these artists reaffirms our unshakeable confidence in the Syrian people, including the artists who have sided with the Syrian people and their revolution for freedom and justice,” the statement said. “The victory of the revolution requires combining of all our efforts, everyone according to his field and specialty to serve the revolution and to clarify the legitimate demands of the Syrian people at all levels.” Zuhair Ramadan, head of the Syrian Artists Association, said the list of the dismisses artists includes “whoever made disparaging remarks about the Syrian flag, the Syrian army, the national anthem and the president,” pointing out that “we are reviewing the interviews and statements made by these artists in the archives and on social networking sites to determine who will be included on the list.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
