In the face of a storm of criticism, including death threats, Syrian director Safwan Naimo has come forward to defend his series 'Al-Qaisar: No Place, No Time'. He clarifies that the project intends to approach the painful human memory of Syria, rather than capitalize on it. The series, airing during Ramadan, sheds light on the suffering endured by Syrians under the Assad regime, particularly focusing on the torture experiences of detainees in prisons, notably the infamous Sednaya prison, which has been the site of mass killings, according to human rights reports.

Naimo stated in an interview that he anticipated the controversy surrounding the series, as it touches upon wounds that have yet to heal and deals with a collective human memory that remains alive and painful for many Syrians. However, he expressed shock at how the discussion shifted from legitimate artistic critique to accusations of treachery and questioning intentions. This reflects not only the sensitivity surrounding the subject matter but also the heightened emotions associated with national identity and the revolution.

One particular episode sparked outrage among segments of the audience for containing slurs against the late soccer goalkeeper Abdel Basset Sarout, whom many view as a symbol of the Syrian revolution. This incident exemplifies the challenges faced by artists addressing the fallout of the Syrian conflict, where creative expressions are often met with intense scrutiny and backlash, revealing the societal divides within the country as it navigates its past and future dynamics.