Does the “butcher from Syria” suddenly need money? No, as a family friend told a British newspaper. Al-Assad does it purely for pleasure – even before the war he regularly worked as an ophthalmologistand previously studied at the Faculty of Ophthalmology in Damascus and later in London. He always wanted to become an ophthalmologist, even before he took over from his father. A year after losing his position, he was clearly bored.
In Moscow, Assad lives with his family in almost total isolation in a luxurious residential area of Rublevka – reportedly in the immediate vicinity of another deposed despot: former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. Assad doesn't have to worry about money there, because before the West imposed sanctions on his regime for brutally suppressing protests since 2011, managed to transfer his property to Russia.
Bashar al-Assad, then president of Syria, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, during a meeting in the Kremlin. Moscow, October 20, 2015EPA/ALEXEY DRUZHINYN/RIA NOVOSTI/POOL / PAP
However, unlike his wife, he is unable to enjoy life. While Asma al-Asad and their daughter Zein regularly visited expensive boutiques, exclusive pedicure salons and gyms, Assad himself found himself on the political margin. For the Kremlin dictator, Vladimir Putin, The Syrian was no longer an interesting guyas an informant from the president's entourage told the Guardian. “Putin has no patience for leaders who lose power,” he said.
“He has no right to express himself publicly or politically”
Assad reportedly wants to present his own version of events surrounding the Syrian overthrow – perhaps to counter accusations that he ruthlessly abandoned his relatives during his escape (including brother Mahir al-Assad). Interviews with “Russia Today” and one of the right-wing American podcasters have already been scheduled, but they have not yet been officially confirmed.
The article continues below the video
Does Putin not want al-Assad to speak out? In an interview with Iraqi media, the Russian ambassador in Baghdad, Elbrus Kutrashev, stated that the former president “has no right to make public or political statements.” The only two trusted people al-Assad still talks to are Mansur Azzam (former minister in the presidential office) and Jassar Ibrahim (his financial adviser).
They had to escape to Russia, even though they dreamed of the Emirates
Assad's last day in Syria was December 8, 2024. As rebels surrounded Damascus from the north and south, he left the capital in a hurry. Russian soldiers transported him and his sons, Hafez (24) and Karim (21), to the Humaymim air base, from where they left the country by plane. Asma was already waiting for them in Moscow. The British woman had been there for several weeks for treatment of leukemia.
The former first lady was supposed to recover. According to the Guardian, on June 30, she attended her daughter's graduation ceremony with her two sons. 22-year-old Zein has just graduated from the elite Moscow State Institute of International Relations. However, al-Assad himself did not appear at the ceremony. “The family didn't stay long and didn't pose for photos on stage,” recalled two college friends.
The Assad family in 2022AFP/East News / East News
Life in Moscow's luxury is especially hard for the eldest son, Hafezonce groomed to be his father's successor. In a video posted on Telegram in February, shot on the streets of Moscow, he claimed the family had been forced to flee to Russia. However, they would prefer to choose the United Arab Emirates – if only because of the language. It appears that at least one member of the al-Assad clan has already accepted his fate: the dictator himself.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
