Syrian Writer in Hiding Unable to Collect Award

In hiding in Damascus since the start of Syria's anti-regime revolt in March 2011, a prominent dissident writer said on Friday he is unable to collect a prestigious award from the Netherlands.

The Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development award is "actually a tribute to the Syrian people and the Syrian revolution," author Yassin al-Haj Saleh, who was jailed from 1980 to 1996, told Agence France Presse.

The award for outstanding achievements in culture and development is awarded annually to 11 people or organizations, according to the fund's website.

In hiding since the start of the revolt, Saleh said he could have tried to pick up the Prince Claus award from the Netherlands embassy in Damascus. "But I am happy the embassy is closed," he said.

"What is amazing ... is that the government of this country considers such a tribute an insult," he said. "It makes me happy that this prize humiliates the murderous regime."