Asma al-Assad, the wife of deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly filed for divorce and expressed her desire to return to the United Kingdom. Dissatisfied with her life in Moscow, where the Assad family sought asylum after the collapse of their regime, Asma is reportedly seeking permission from Russian authorities to leave the country.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s decades-long rule came earlier this month after rebel forces, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured Damascus. Assad fled to Russia, a longtime ally, which granted him asylum on humanitarian grounds. However, strict restrictions were placed on the family, barring them from leaving Moscow or engaging in political activities. Additionally, Russian authorities froze Assad’s assets, which included 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion in cash, and 18 luxury apartments in Moscow.

placeholder
Russian President Vladimir Putin and deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad | File image: AP photo
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Syrian President Bashar Assad 

Asma, born and raised in London to Syrian parents, holds dual citizenship in Syria and the UK. She moved to Syria in 2000 after marrying Assad but now appears eager to return to her home country. Reports suggest she has filed an application with a Russian court to obtain special permission to leave Moscow.

Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad’s brother, Maher al-Assad, also sought asylum in Russia, but his request remains under review. The family’s future remains uncertain as their assets and movements are tightly controlled by Russian authorities.

The fall of the Assad regime marks the end of a 61-year reign by the Baath Party in Syria. While HTS is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, the US recently lifted its $10 million bounty on HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Asma’s potential return to the UK signals a new chapter for the Assad family amidst their political and personal upheaval.