Syrian journalists “trial” Egyptian insulters

Syrian journalists embarrassed Egyptian artists during press conferences organised as part of Damascus’ Cinema Festival launched on Sunday, Echorouk has learnt from Algerian sources.

• The journalists’ questions focused on knowing why some Egyptians insulted Algeria, its symbols and martyrs.
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• “Syrian journalists seize the opportunity of the presence of most of Egypt’s artists who were behind the fierce campaign against Algeria to ask questions about that,” said the same sources.
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• The questions raised anger among the Egyptian artists including Yussra who was honoured in Algeria before the crisis began.
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• The festival organisers said they invited Arab artist Haifa Wahbi as she had already been received by the director of the Arab Cinema Festival in Oran (west of Algiers). On the other hand, the organisers of this festival did not even think about inviting her. Algerian people would reject her as she joined the Egyptian campaign against Algeria.
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• Syrian organisers wondered about the alert state caused by her invitation. Though journalists criticised the festival director Mohamed Al Ahmed for inviting Haifa, her presence procedures were not affected. She attended the opening of the festival amid tighten surveillance.
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• She walked on the red carpet along with famous Turkish actress Turkan Soray who did not draw any attention.
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• Five years ago, a decision was issued to prevent Haifa Wahbi from singing in Syria.