We, at the Organization of the Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM), express our solidarity with the Syrian journalist Adonis Al-Khaled and condemn the physical and verbal assault he was subjected to by the personal security guards of the singer known as ‘Al-Shami’ in the city of Düsseldorf, Germany.
Al-Khaled, who works as a correspondent for the official German channel Deutsche Welle, indicated in an interview that the person assaulting him called him a ‘GAY’ while he was conducting an interview with the Syrian singer. He also mentioned that he and the filming crew repeatedly heard ‘insulting’ remarks directed at the organization he works for.
This incident once again confirms to us that violence based on sexual prejudice exists everywhere, especially against those working in the public sphere.
This incident aligns with another addressed in a study we published in April of this year, which includes LGBTQIA+ Syrians both abroad and inside the country. The study highlighted the threats and dangers that may follow those who are visible and those working in the public sphere abroad.”
It is worth noting that the Syrian singer’s team denied any involvement in the incident. However, later on, the team and a spokesperson for Al-Shami condemned the attack on Adonis Al-Khaled, offering an apology for the incident and expressing their commitment to ‘further investigation.’ Despite this, video footage showed Al-Shami present when one of his escorts pulled the Deutsche Welle correspondent outside.
At GEM, we deeply regret what Adonis Al-Khaled experienced in Düsseldorf, Germany, and we wish him safety. We affirm our support and solidarity with him, and we call on DW to continue supporting Adonis Al-Khaled in facing these violations and holding the perpetrators accountable.
