In an interview for the program "Sabaa Samaa" on Egyptian television, renowned Egyptian actress Ilham Shaheen expressed a series of controversial statements regarding former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She stated that she does not consider him a criminal, expressing doubts concerning the veracity of reports of atrocities committed in prisons and torture, about which the media has reported. "The supreme knows the truth, there are contradictory versions, and it is difficult for me to assert which of them is true," Shaheen said in the interview. She added that she had previously seen cases of setups and provocations, which makes it impossible for her to absolutely believe one side. Referring to her support for Assad, the actress stated: "I supported him because he has been fighting terrorism, and any president fighting terrorism can count on my support." She noted that in Syria there were fighters from 35 different countries who were funded to participate in armed conflicts on the territory of the country. Responding to a question about the fall of regimes, Shaheen stated: "When Bashar al-Assad fell, I did not anticipate anything, the world is changing, and we are witnessing this." She emphasized that the resignation of any president is a natural process, and no one can remain in power forever.
