Egyptian actors’ Syria visit sparks uproar at home

Cairo: An Egyptian delegation of film actors and directors this week visited the Syrian capital Damascus, triggering uproar at home.

The visitors included celebrated actors Elham Shahin and Farouq Al Feshawi as well as filmmakers Omar Abdul Aziz and Mohsen Fouda, who also heads the Egyptian Actors ‘Association.

The trip came days after forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad tightened their grip on outskirts on Damascus following a series of attacks on the opposition and evacuation deals there.

The visit has sparked an online stir with critics denouncing it as support for Al Assad, who is accused of atrocities against civilians in opposition areas in the country.