Sarout is a red line...a basketball match ignites anger among Syrians

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Over the past few hours, the name Abdel Basset Al-Sarout has been the topic of conversation among Syrians on social media.

The reason is a dispute that broke out in a basketball match between Al-Wahda Club of Damascus and Al-Karama Club of Homs in Al-Fayhaa Hall in Damascus, last Tuesday.

The martyr Abdel Basset Al-Sarout is an immortal revolutionary and patriotic symbol, whose memory will never fade from the conscience of Syrians. Infringing on his name or insulting his symbolism is not merely a violation of the law, but rather an unacceptable moral crime due to the incitement of sedition and underestimation of the feelings of our people. We will not allow the symbols of our freedom to be attacked, and anyone proven to be involved in this will not escape accountability and punishment according to the law.

The match, which ended with Al-Wahda winning 61-58, turned into a state of pandemonium and tension following chants about Al-Sarout following the presence of Omar Al-Somah to Al-Fayhaa Hall.

Some of those present in the stands chanted in the name of Al-Sarout, who is called “the bulbul of the revolution,” which sparked a massive wave of discontent among the fans of the city of Homs (Al-Karama Club).

While video clips spread about the chants, the nature of which was not clearly stated, the accounts differed, between certain that Sarout, “one of the symbols of the revolution,” was insulted, and those explaining that the chants were a sign of mercy for his soul.

I strongly reject any insult to the symbols of the Syrian revolution, first and foremost the martyr Abdel Basset al-Sarout, who will remain a symbol of dignity and sacrifice in the conscience of the Syrians. Sports are a space for fair competition and a bridge of love between Syrians, and not an arena for stirring up strife or reproducing divisions. In the new Syria, the dignity of the martyrs and the sacrifices of Syrians must be respected, and every abuse must be confronted with a clear stance and those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law. Building a state begins with preserving national memory, consolidating the rule of law, and rejecting everything that threatens civil peace and the unity of Syrians. Our responsibility today is to build a nation that accommodates all its people, and does not allow anyone to exploit sports or anything else to spread hatred and division.

Meanwhile, Al Karama Club, in the face of this wave of controversy, issued a statement in which it strongly denounced any abuse issued against Al-Sarout and considered it a violation of the red lines.

In turn, Al-Wahda Club issued a statement denying any intentional abuse, stressing that the chants were a tribute to his soul as a national symbol. He called for not interpreting the passages in a way that would cause strife.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Basketball Federation got involved and announced that it had decided to form an official investigation committee to hold any transgressor accountable.

🔹Martyr Abdel Basset Al-Sarot is one of the symbols of our blessed revolution and an eternal icon that is impervious to time. 🔹 May God have mercy on you, Abdul Basit, and grant you a better position among the martyrs and the truthful. 🔹Only a culture of respect for the law and reverence for the values, symbols and morals of the revolution will prevail in the new Syria. https://t.co/Rr4sFcfTTs

Several other official bodies also entered the crisis line. Justice Minister Mazhar Lewis confirmed in a post on X yesterday evening, Wednesday, that “Sarout is an immortal revolutionary and national symbol, and his memory will never fade from the conscience of Syrians.”

He also stressed that "insulting his name or insulting his symbolism is not merely a violation of the law, but rather an unacceptable moral crime due to the incitement to sedition and underestimation of the feelings of our people." He continued, saying: "We will not allow the symbols of our freedom to be attacked, and anyone proven to be involved in this will not escape accountability and punishment according to the law."

In turn, the Minister of Culture, Muhammad Yassin Saleh, affirmed that “the Sarout is one of the symbols of our blessed revolution and an eternal icon that is impervious to time.”

Remember these faces very well, because you are the ones who will hold them accountable, I will not be rude to you https://t.co/cWw3iw9sKV

While many Syrians interacted with the issue, launching the hashtag “Sarout is a red line.”

It is noteworthy that Abdel Basset Al-Sarout was a former goalkeeper for Al Karama Club and the Syrian youth team, before joining the Syrian revolution in 2011. He became a military commander before he was injured in battles in the Hama countryside and died in 2019.

Meanwhile, “the troublemaker of the Syrian revolution,” as this young man, who had always chanted songs and slogans, became an “icon” and one of “the most prominent faces of the popular movement.”