The Syrian Artists Syndicate refuses to withdraw confidence from Mazen al-Natour: The decision is legally invalid.

In a controversial move, the Syrian Artists Syndicate issued an official statement today, Sunday, confirming that the circulating news about withdrawing confidence from the head of the syndicate, Mazen al-Natour, has no legal basis and is completely invalid. The statement mentioned that the decision, which was circulated under number (171/N) to withdraw confidence from al-Natour, was issued by an unauthorized entity legally to make such decisions, rendering it unrecognized. The statement clarified that the meeting where the decision was made holds no official status or legal authority, violating Law No. 40 of 2019 and the internal regulations of the syndicate. The statement further emphasized that the decisions issued by al-Natour during his tenure remain valid, and the syndicate will take all necessary legal actions against any attempt to bypass the system or undermine the legitimacy of trade union work. This statement was issued in response to reports circulated by local media about a decision attributed to the syndicate council to withdraw confidence from al-Natour, after being accused of "making decisions unilaterally" and "marginalizing council members." The decision has sparked a wide debate, especially within the artistic community, following divisive decisions made by al-Natour in recent months, notably the expulsion of actress Sulaf Fawakherji from the syndicate, which drew sharp criticism from prominent artistic figures like director Laith Hajjo and actor Abed Fahd, who expressed their condemnation of this decision as arbitrary dismissal. Amidst these developments, the Syrian artistic scene continues to experience political and union-related tremors, with many questions arising about the fate of the Artists Syndicate in the upcoming period, amidst this legal and administrative conflict.