Today, Tuesday, Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association organized a panel discussion on “The Role of Art in Combating Hate Speech in the Name of Religion”, attended by writer and scriptwriter Baher Dowidar, author of the series (The Choice 1 – The Choice 2 - Counterattack), and a number of journalists, media professionals and researchers interested In the legal file.

The panel discussion was started by human rights expert Ayman Okeil, President of Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association, who stressed during his speech the importance of the role of art in combating the discourse of violence and hate in the name of religion, pointing out that dramas are among the most influential works of art in influencing public opinion and forming awareness.

In turn, the writer and scriptwriter, Baher Dowidar, explained that dramas always have a significant impact on the way of thinking and behavior, whether in promoting hate speech or tolerance, intentionally or unintentionally, due to the great ability of these works to spread and influence, adding: “This places a huge responsibility on the dramatists.”

Dowidar pointed to the role of writers and authors in how to employ drama in matters of renewing religious discourse, stressing that dealing with terrorism issues from multiple dimensions and at different times, in addition to the quality elements in writing the text, directing, and acting performance leads to the production of influential works in society.

Dowidar participated in the training workshops organized by Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association within the framework of the project "Peacebuilders in Egypt: Combating Hate Speech in the Name of Religion", where he stressed in his workshop for young people that ways to combat violent extremism and terrorism are not limited to security confrontations or religious platforms. Rather, purposeful art plays an effective role by reaching wider segments of public opinion and individuals.