The Syrian community is expressing significant anger towards the TV series 'The Kaiser... No Place, No Time' after a controversial scene in its first episode. The scene involves a security officer, played by actor Samer Kahlaoui, who uses derogatory language to describe Abd al-Baset Sarout, a notable figure in the Syrian revolution, calling him a 'terrorist dog' which has been seen as a direct insult. This portrayal has prompted widespread condemnation on social media, with activists viewing it as an attempt to distort the history of a leading revolutionary figure.

Abd al-Baset Sarout, who was a goalkeeper for Al-Karama FC, became a well-known symbol of the Syrian uprising before his death in 2019 during battles in Hama countryside. The portrayal in the series is perceived as an alignment with the narrative of the Syrian regime, reintroducing a rhetoric of betrayal towards revolutionaries, which has angered many who felt a sense of loyalty to Sarout and the cause he represented. The outcry has included demands for the series to be halted and for accountability among its producers, as well as the artists involved.

In response to the backlash, actor Samer Kahlaoui has defended the scene, insisting he does not endorse any insult towards Sarout. He took to his social media platforms and participated in interviews to clarify that the portrayal was manipulated, presumably to suggest the context of a security officer’s behavior rather than a direct attack on Sarout's character. The controversy reflects deeper tensions within Syrian society regarding the narrative of the revolution and the ongoing conflict, as well as the portrayal of its heroes and symbols in popular media.