Syria frees activist Hassan Akkad days after he was detained

His release comes after journalist Mousa al-Omar dropped a complaint over online criticism.British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad has been released from a prison in Damascus after four days detention for alleged criticism of public figures.Akkad was taken into custody from a cafe in the al-Maliki neighbourhood of Damascus on Wednesday at about 9:45pm local time (18:45 GMT), a statement by his organisation said on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Syrian activist Hassan Akkad detained in Damascuslist 2 of 4Food, photography and social justice – Asma Khan and Hassan Akkadlist 3 of 4Rewriting stories of migration – Asma Khan and Hassan Akkadlist 4 of 4The Syrian refugee on the UK’s coronavirus front linesend of listAkkad is the founder of the “Give Us the Money That You Owe!” campaign, which tracks large financial commitments made by public figures during a donation drive to fund Syria’s reconstruction.His detention followed a legal complaint filed by Syrian journalist and presenter Mousa al-Omar in relation to “Hassan’s social media activities and public comments” after Akkad criticised al-Omar for allegedly failing to deliver on his financial pledges during the donations campaign.Public Prosecutor Judge Hossam Khattab confirmed last week that Akkad had been detained due to warrants issued against him for failing to present himself to the Cybercrime Control Division in relation to al-Omar’s complaint. Khattab also said other plaintiffs had filed cases against Akkad for slander and defamation.British Syrian activist Hassan Akkad embraces a supporter after his release from detention, in an image provided by his “Give Us the Money That You Owe!” campaign [Handout/Al Jazeera]The activist’s release on Sunday came after al-Omar told Al Jazeera that he had instructed his lawyer to withdraw the complaint against Akkad, and said that everything pledged to the campaign had been paid.