The Syrian Writers Association denounced the increasing Iranian influence on the Syrian cultural scene with sponsorship from the official institutions of the Assad regime.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Association said: “The Syrian Writers Association views the increasing official Iranian activity in the Syrian cultural scene with deep concern and denouncement. The Iranian encroachment on Syria’s culture is taking place under the sponsorship of the Assad regime’s institutions, such as the Ministry of Culture and the Arab Writers Union, among many others.”
The statement added: “As the Assad regime continues with the destruction of the country and selling it piecemeal to its allies and enablers, it was expected that cultural activity would sharply decline. However, the Syrian people’s conscience, which proved impossible to destroy, helped keep the cultural activities alive, albeit at a minimum.”
The Association pointed out that the recent visit of the Assad regime’s Minister of Culture to Iran marked a turning point in surrendering Syria to the Iranians by signing agreements with the Iranian institutions, which are infamous for their suppression of intellectuals and preventing their people from expressing themselves.
“This policy, which the regime pursues in accordance with its interests and tactics to survive, poses a serious danger to Syria and the unity of its people as it allows the sectarian Iranian penetration of Syria’s culture,” the statement added.
(Source: SOC’s media department)
