MOSCOW: Russia has officially denied reports regarding Asma al-Assad’s divorce filing and her possible relocation to the UK.
Kremlin spokesperson dismissed Turkish media reports claiming Asma sought divorce and wished to move to Britain.
The claims suggest Asma al-Assad wanted to move to the UK after divorcing Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin clarified these reports are untrue.
Reports also included false claims regarding sanctions against Bashar al-Assad and asset freezes, denied by Russia.
Turkish media claimed Asma al-Assad applied for divorce in Russian courts, with plans to relocate to the UK. Asma allegedly intends to live with her mother, holding British citizenship.
Asma al-Assad was born in London and raised in a Syrian-origin family. Her father was a heart specialist.
Reports suggest Asma al-Assad is unhappy in Moscow and may return to the UK where she received education.
However, the claims were swiftly dismissed by Kremlin officials who assured there was no truth to such allegations.
Earlier, Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, fled to Russia amidst opposition forces’ invasion of Damascus.
Russia granted humanitarian asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family, providing refuge during the Syrian conflict’s escalation.
After the 2000 death of Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, Bashar assumed Syria’s presidency. He married Asma soon after.
Asma’s background includes being part of a Sunni family. Her mother held a diplomatic role in the Syrian Embassy in London.
As the First Lady of Syria, Asma became known for a luxurious lifestyle, despite the country’s ongoing civil war.
She publicly defended Bashar during the conflict, although allegations of human rights violations against the Assad regime were widespread.
Bashar’s regime has faced multiple accusations regarding oppression, human rights abuses, and extrajudicial killings.
