Asma al-Assad’s Divorce
Asma al-Assad’s divorce from her husband, Bashar al-Assad, has garnered significant media attention, especially given her desire to return to the UK with their children. According to reports, Asma al-Assad, the British-born spouse of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce and is looking to return to the UK. This comes after her husband’s regime was just overthrown and they were forced to flee to Moscow.
Born in London in 1975 to Syrian parents, Asma al-Assad holds dual British-Syrian citizenship. She pursued a career in investment banking before marrying Bashar al-Assad in 2000. The couple has three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim.
Following the fall of Damascus to rebel forces earlier this month, the Assad family sought refuge in Moscow. However, Asma has expressed dissatisfaction with her life in Russia and has filed for divorce in a Russian court. She is also seeking special permission to leave Moscow, with the intention of relocating to London. Her application is currently under review by Russian authorities.
Reports indicate that Asma’s decision is influenced by her desire for better living conditions and adequate medical treatment, as she has been battling leukemia. Her mother, Sahar Otri, is reportedly supporting her efforts to return to the UK and has consulted with a prestigious law firm in London to facilitate the process.
In Moscow, Bashar al-Assad faces strict limitations. He is prohibited from leaving the city or engaging in political activities, and his assets—including 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion in cash, and 18 properties in Moscow—have been frozen by Russian authorities.
The potential dissolution of the Assad marriage adds a personal dimension to the political upheaval following the end of the Assad family’s five-decade rule in Syria. Asma al-Assad, once celebrated in Western media as the “Rose of the Desert,” now appears to be seeking a new chapter in her life, away from the shadows of her husband’s controversial legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asma al-Assad’s Divorce
1. Who is Asma al-Assad?
Asma al-Assad, born Asma Akhras, is the British-born wife of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She was raised in London, studied at King’s College, and had a career in investment banking before marrying Bashar al-Assad in 2000.
2. What led to reports of Asma al-Assad’s divorce?
Asma reportedly filed for divorce following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the family’s subsequent exile to Moscow. She has expressed a desire to leave Russia and return to the United Kingdom.
3. Is the divorce confirmed?
As of now, reports of Asma al-Assad filing for divorce remain unconfirmed by official channels. However, multiple media outlets have cited her dissatisfaction with life in Moscow and her intent to start anew in London.
4. What are the reasons behind her decision?
The reasons appear to be multifaceted:
- Her struggle with leukemia, prompting her need for better medical treatment.
- Dissatisfaction with life in exile in Moscow.
- A desire to distance herself from the legacy of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
5. What is the legal status of her divorce filing?
Asma has reportedly filed for divorce in a Russian court and is also seeking special permission to leave Moscow, as her movements are restricted by Russian authorities.
6. What role does Asma’s family play in her decision?
Her mother, Sahar Otri, is reportedly supportive of her decision and is helping facilitate her potential relocation to the UK. She has allegedly consulted with a prestigious law firm in London for legal assistance.
7. What is the impact of this divorce on Bashar al-Assad?
The divorce adds a personal dimension to Bashar al-Assad’s political downfall. His assets in Russia have been frozen, and he is restricted from leaving Moscow or engaging in political activities.
8. What are Asma’s plans post-divorce?
Asma aims to relocate to London, where she holds citizenship, to start a new chapter in her life. This would likely involve rebuilding her personal life away from the political controversies of the Assad regime.
9. How does this affect her public image?
Asma al-Assad, once praised as the “Rose of the Desert,” may face scrutiny over her ties to the Assad regime. However, her pursuit of independence could also redefine her narrative in the eyes of the public.
10. How are international authorities responding?
Her application to leave Moscow is under review by Russian authorities. The international community may watch developments closely, given the Assads’ controversial history and ongoing legal challenges.