Khaberni - The British newspaper "The Guardian" revealed rare details about the life of the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s family, after his escape from Damascus and his settling in Moscow.
According to the newspaper, Assad and his family live a life of seclusion and luxury in Russia, while information suggests that Bashar, an ophthalmologist who trained in London, has returned to studying his medical specialty, where he receives lessons in ophthalmology alongside learning the Russian language.
A close family friend told the Guardian that Assad "is refining his skills in ophthalmology, an old passion of his, and he is not doing it out of financial need," suggesting that the wealthy in Moscow might be his future target if he decides to practice the profession.
Assad had fled from Syria about a year ago as opposition factions advanced towards the capital, ending 14 years of war that killed about 620,000 people and displaced nearly 14 million Syrians. He was transported at night along with his sons to the Hmeimim Air Base before leaving for Russia under military protection.
The Guardian" suggests that the family most likely resides in the Rublyovka area, one of Moscow's most elite suburbs, which houses the elite of money and politics, including the former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Despite having money, after having transferred a large part of their wealth to Russia to escape Western sanctions since 2011, Assad has become isolated from the circles of influence he was accustomed to.
The newspaper quoted a source close to the Kremlin saying that Assad "is no longer a person of importance" for President Vladimir Putin or the Russian political elite, indicating that Moscow is not interested in leaders who have lost power.
According to multiple sources, Assad did not inform his relatives or close allies about the imminent collapse of his regime, leaving many of them in panic. A friend of Maher al-Assad, Bashar’s brother, said that the latter "cared only about himself," while Maher helped others escape.
In the first months after their arrival in Moscow, the family focused on the health situation of Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, who was receiving treatment for leukemia.
According to an informed source, Asma underwent experimental treatment under the supervision of Russian security services, and her condition later stabilized.
Despite Assad's desire for media appearances and to narrate his story, the Russian authorities prevent him from any political or media activity.
The Russian ambassador to Iraq confirmed that Assad "lives safely in Russia, but he is not allowed to engage in any public activity."
On the other hand, it seems that the Assad's children continue their lives with fewer restrictions. His daughter Zein appeared at her graduation ceremony from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, while his sons Hafez and Karim live lives away from the spotlight, with most of their social media accounts closed.
Leaked data accessed by "The Guardian" indicate that Assad’s children spend generously on shopping and upscale sports clubs in Moscow.
The report noted that the fall of the regime revealed a hidden side of the life of a family that ruled Syria with an iron fist for decades, but they still prefer to live in the shadows, away from any public appearances, despite the heavy legacy they have left behind.
