Imprisoned Syrian Wrote Poetry Imagining the Fall of the Regime. Now it's Come True

Faraj Bayrakdar, a Syrian poet and former political prisoner, spent 14 harrowing years enduring torture. He reveals how poetry became his lifeline and a beacon of resistance. Faraj discusses the essence of inner freedom, asserting that true autonomy exists beyond physical imprisonment. He shares poignant reflections on the river Al-Asi, drawing parallels between its flow and themes of rebellion. His story illustrates how creativity can thrive even in the direst conditions, underscoring the transformative power of art in the face of oppression.