17 Feb 2026
45m

A daughter's rebellion against a regime and her father

Podcast cover

Fresh Air

The interview explores Loubna Mrie's memoir, "Defiance," focusing on her experiences growing up in Syria, her complex relationship with her father, and her involvement in the Syrian revolution. Mrie, raised in the Alawite minority, recounts her political awakening and the personal cost of defying her father, a figure tied to the Assad regime. She details her initial naive participation in protests, the shock of witnessing violence, and the subsequent decision to document the conflict as a photojournalist. The conversation highlights her conflicted feelings toward her father, particularly after discovering his abuse of a child, and the devastating consequences her activism had on her family, including her mother's disappearance. Ultimately, Mrie emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and preserving the truth for future generations, even in the face of overwhelming oppression.

Outlines

Part 1: Background, Family Dynamics

Part 2: Political Awakening, Conflict

Part 3: Legacy, Media Reviews

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise