Regarding the Closure of Orient Channel and the Proposal of the (SFM)

Syrian Future Movement (SFM)
Media Office
Statement No (M.E 02-11-23)
Issued on: 18/11/2023

News is continuously emerging about the closure of “Orient, the Syrian satellite channel.”
The Syrian Future Movement sees “Orient Channel” as one of those revolutionary media outlets representing the revolutionary fervor, if the term is appropriate. This includes passionate expression and revolutionary rejection, and the presentation of substantial and controversial content, which is as necessary as the need for calm, classical, and measured discourse.
The Syrian Future Movement, preempting any attempts by those who exploit complex situations, acknowledges that “Orient” had its faults and negatives. However, it was born and grew within the Syrian revolution’s market, with its positives and negatives. Therefore, everyone who played an active or influential role in it faced similar challenges as Orient (be it minor or major, visible or hidden). It is undeniable that all this stems from the womb that birthed the revolution, namely (the Syrian regime with all its flaws and merits).
The Syrian Future Movement recognizes the significant international and regional pressures to shut down free Syrian media platforms and to silence Syrian revolutionary journalists. If it starts with “Orient,” it will not end until even the smallest revolutionary newspaper is targeted. We have evidence and information that we might dedicate to a research article in the research and studies department of our scientific office.
The Syrian Future Movement suggests to the staff of Orient, both young women and men, to transition Orient, in coordination with its owner, into a joint-stock company owned first by the free and revolutionary Syrian people, and secondly by Syria in its near future. It calls for all Syrians to support and fund it, considering its emergence in line with international, regional, and local changes, while maintaining its unique identity and beneficial revolutionary spirit.
We urge the Syrian elite to strive towards activating this proposal if possible.
The Syrian Future Movement offers all its capabilities and offices to support the Orient staff.
We invite the writers and researchers at Orient to utilize our website and our social media platforms.
We also call on other Syrian currents, parties, and associations to assist and embrace them.
The Syrian Future Movement urges the Syrian people and all its components to stand with all Syrian revolutionary media and opposes the closure of any revolutionary media outlet, regardless of the stance towards it, as it represents the voice of the Syrian people and is a witness to the major milestones in our glorious Syrian revolution.
Finally, the media office of the Syrian Future Movement extends a thank you to our friend “Mr. Ghassan Aboud,” appreciating the immense pressure he endured and continues to bear in his journey of adopting and supporting Orient, nurturing dozens of distinguished Syrian youth who have become media figures we are proud of.