Heated Discussion... Bassam Yakhour Breaks His Silence... and Fares Helou Responds
January 16, 2025, 12:45 pm

Heated Discussion... Bassam Yakhour Breaks His Silence... and Fares Helou Responds

باسم ياخور وفارس الحلو

Syrian actor Bassam Yakhour has sparked widespread controversy on social media platforms after making his first public stance regarding the fall of the previous regime and the takeover of the country by armed opposition factions.

Unlike many of his colleagues, Yakhour did not deny his previous pro-Assad positions, nor did he express support for the new administration. He voiced his fears about returning to his country amid a lack of security stability.

In his statements, Yakhour mentioned that he had delayed announcing his position on the political changes to gain a clearer perspective. He noted that his return to Syria depends on security stability, expressing concerns about potential negative or unexpected reactions.

Syrian bloggers circulated video clips of his interview with the Lebanese newspaper "An-Nahar," which elicited mixed reactions, particularly given the divisions within the Syrian artistic community between supporters and opponents of the previous regime.

During the interview, Yakhour clarified that he did not benefit from the previous regime and refused to accept any housing assistance from it. He confirmed that he has lived many years outside Syria since 2011, achieving his artistic success through personal effort and skills, rather than through external support. He also stated that he lost important job opportunities with production companies that are considered oppositional to the previous regime and faced veiled threats from the regime to harm him and his family if he continued to call for the release of Syrian detainees.

Yakhour criticized the term "taqwi‘,” considering it reflects a “lack of decency” and harms the millions of Syrians who were forced by circumstances or personal choices to support the previous regime or remain silent regarding the opposition.

In conclusion, Bassam Yakhour made it clear that he chose his peace of mind during the years of crisis, as he was able to visit his country and meet his family, including attending his father's funeral two years ago, unlike some opposing artists who were unable to return to Syria.

Following the spread of the video, Syrian artist Fares Helou commented, stating: "Nayla Tueni dedicated ten minutes of airtime to her guest to personally attack me!! Claiming that I posted a fiery response to him after the head of the regime fled... the response stated: I found out why the refugees had 16 children?"

"I advise you, failed media personality, along with your guest, to consult for free from the Syrian Revolution Platform 'Taqarrar' before adopting any news."

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.