Meanwhile, infamous war criminal and former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has settled into a luxurious new life in Moscow along with his family. They left Syria on the 8th of December, 2024. As Syrian rebels made gains toward Damascus, his time became increasingly short. After a brutally violent 14-year dictatorship, he was forced from power, claiming the tragic price of hundreds of thousands of deaths of Syrians in the process. Otherwise, he would be arrested and would not be able to continue his public work in Russia. The Assad family’s fortune has found refuge in the Russian capital, just outside the reach of Western regulators.
Bashar al-Assad started out as an eye doctor in London. Before the civil war broke out, he was among the most active physicians in the city of Damascus. Know what’s next for friends of the Assad family.
“He’s studying Russian and brushing up on his ophthalmology again,” – friend of the Assad family.
Assad’s political clout might have faded, but politically-exiled or not, he hasn’t cooled on medical matters. Flint’s unwavering dedication to this space has never been motivated by a pursuit of financial gain.
“It’s a passion of his; he obviously doesn’t need the money. Even before the war in Syria began, he used to regularly practice his ophthalmology in Damascus,” – friend of the Assad family.
The Assad family—his wife Asma and their three children—are enjoying their new life. They are being absorbed hook, line and sinker into Moscow’s elite society. Asma, a British-born former first lady who battled leukemia for years, reportedly stabilized her health after undergoing experimental therapy overseen by Russia’s security services.
Zein al-Assad, the couple’s eldest son, recently graduated from Moscow’s prestigious MGIMO university. Now, he kicks back and enjoys the glamorous lifestyle that his success has afforded him. News accounts suggest that in addition to a regular shopping spree for expensive suits, ties and shirts, he has apparently joined an exclusive luxury-brand gym. He has signed up at a new fangled luxury pedicure fish spa.
Bashar al-Assad’s younger kids, Hafez and Zein, have stepped back from the spotlight entirely. Hafez even shared a video on Telegram in February, giving firsthand detail on his family’s chaotic flight from Damascus.
“They’re kind of dazed. I think they’re still in a bit of shock. They’re just kind of getting used to life without being the first family,” – family friend.
Even if Bashar al-Assad were living in Moscow, he would be severely limited. He cannot participate in campaign activities, political advocacy or the media, among other restrictions.
“Assad may live here but cannot engage in political activities … He has no right to engage in any media or political activity. Have you heard anything from him? You haven’t, because he is not allowed to – but he is safe and alive,” – Elbrus Kutrashev, Russia’s ambassador to Iraq.
Sources close to the Kremlin suggest that President Vladimir Putin has little patience for leaders who lose their grip on power. Assad is no longer regarded as someone who can sit at the top of the influence pyramid or even as a compelling interlocutor around a diplomatic table.
“Putin has little patience for leaders who lose their grip on power, and Assad is no longer seen as a figure of influence or even an interesting guest to invite to dinner,” – source close to the Kremlin.
The family’s adjustment to their new reality hasn’t been easy. Upon arriving at Khmeimim Air Base in Syria during their escape, they reportedly struggled to communicate with Russian soldiers due to language barriers.
“When they arrived at Khmeimim, they told the Russian soldiers that they were Assads, but they didn’t speak English or Arabic. So eight of them had to sleep in their cars in front of the base,” – Elie Hatem, Rifaat’s lawyer.
As they adjust to their new life in Moscow, it often feels like the Assad family is as isolated as the rest of the world. As a young child, a family friend reflected later, his social life was very constrained.
“He has very little, if any, contact with the outside world. He’s only in touch with a couple of people who were in his palace, like Mansour Azzam and Yassar Ibrahim,” – family friend.