Syrian actor Jamal Suleiman has come to the defense of his late compatriot, actress Mai Skaf, describing her as courageous and highly defiant, in response to recent statements made by actress Sulaf Fawakherji.

During a TV interview, Suleiman refuted Fawakherji’s earlier claim that Mai Skaf had asked Syrian authorities to arrest her. He stated:

"I heard that statement, and Sulaf was sitting in this very chair… No, it’s not true. That kind of talk doesn’t make sense and shouldn’t have been said. No one ever asks to be arrested."

Speaking about Skaf, he said:

"She was very bold and had a strong sense of defiance… I don’t think she ever expected to be arrested."

Suleiman firmly rejected Fawakherji’s remarks and urged her to take responsibility for what she says, suggesting she should express such opinions from within Syria and be prepared for differing reactions:

"Really, Sulaf? Haven’t you read the memoirs from Saydnaya prison or heard the stories?"

Commenting on the decision by the Syrian Artists Syndicate to strike Sulaf Fawakherji from its roster, Suleiman added:

"Honestly, I didn’t like the idea of being expelled from the syndicate. I was expelled too, as were other stars like Abdel Hakim Qatifan."