Damascus – January 31, 2026 – A shocking case involving the death of celebrated Syrian artist hoda Shaarawi took a dramatic turn today wiht the arrest of her domestic worker, Vicky Agok, a Ugandan national, according to a statement released by the Syrian Ministry of Interior.
The arrest follows the discovery of Shaarawi’s body in her Damascus home and a confession from the suspect.
- Syrian authorities have arrested Vicky Agok, Shaarawi’s maid, in connection with the artist’s murder.
- Agok reportedly confessed to the crime during initial questioning.
- The arrest comes after the circulation of a video showing Shaarawi expressing concerns about domestic workers.
- Shaarawi, 87, was a beloved figure in Syrian television and cinema, known for her role in “Bab Al-Hara.”
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and full circumstances surrounding the death.
the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced earlier this week that Shaarawi’s body had been transferred to forensic medicine for examination. Preliminary investigations, led by Commander of Internal Security in Damascus, Brigadier General Osama Atka, quickly focused on Agok, who reportedly left the residence following the incident.
What were the circumstances surrounding the death of hoda Shaarawi? Authorities allege that Vicky Agok confessed to the murder during questioning, though the motive remains under investigation. Security and legal procedures are underway to fully investigate the incident and uncover all contributing factors.
Sources close to the Shaarawi family, speaking to local newspapers, suggested the maid exploited the trust placed in her to commit the crime. These sources indicated Agok had been receiving regular financial payments, allowing her freedom of movement and perhaps facilitating the planning and execution of the act without raising suspicion.
The arrest is particularly poignant given the recent emergence of a video featuring Shaarawi voicing complaints about domestic workers,sparking considerable public debate. The timing has fueled speculation, though authorities have not directly linked the video to the crime.
The Syrian artistic community was deeply saddened by the news of Shaarawi’s death on January 29. The artist, 87, was found deceased in her Damascus apartment, prompting an immediate investigation.
throughout her decades-long career, Shaarawi appeared in over a hundred productions spanning television, film, theater, and radio. She was particularly renowned for her portrayal of “Umm Zaki,” the mother-in-law, in the iconic series “Bab Al-Hara.”
Her extensive filmography also includes notable roles in “Levantine days,” “7-star Family,” “lack of Taste and Overpowering,” “Abu Al-khair Family,” “Al-Akhwa 2,” “The Hero of This Time,” “A Spot of light,” “the Time of Barghout,” and “Al-Daghri.”
Shaarawi’s most recent appearances were in the 2024 series “Taj” and the 2025 series “Roxy Nights.” She was also slated to appear in “The King’s Family,” scheduled to air during the Ramadan 2026 season.
Quick fact: Hoda Shaarawi’s career spanned decades, encompassing over 100 works across various media, solidifying her status as a cultural icon in Syria.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the full sequence of events and determine the underlying reasons for the crime, with the case expected to be referred to the judiciary upon completion of the inquiry.
