The reign of terror of Syria’s dictator Bashar al-Assad, 59, has come to an end—and now it seems his marriage has too.
According to Turkish and Arabic media reports on Sunday evening, Assad’s wife, Asma, 49, has filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage.
Reports suggest that Asma, dissatisfied with her new life under the patronage of Russian President Vladimir Putin, 72, is seeking to start anew in London. Just two weeks ago, Assad fled to Moscow with his family after rebels breached Damascus and reached his palace.
Asma al-Assad Seeks Freedom from Moscow
After their forced relocation to Russia, Asma reportedly turned to a Russian court to request special permission to leave Moscow. Her application is currently under review by Russian authorities.
A move to London would mark a return to Asma’s roots. Born in London in 1975, she holds both Syrian and British citizenship. She moved to Syria in 2000 to marry Assad at the age of 25.
Bashar al-Assad’s Constrained Exile
Assad now lives under strict conditions in Russia. Although he was granted asylum, he is not allowed to leave Moscow or engage in political activities. Russian authorities have allegedly frozen his assets, which reportedly include 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion, and 18 properties in Moscow.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, 57, denied these claims on Monday, stating, “No, these reports do not reflect reality.” He also dismissed allegations that Assad is under detention or that his wealth has been confiscated.
Asma al-Assad: From “Desert Rose” to Disillusioned Wife
Known as the “Lady Di of the Orient” and the “Rose in the Desert,” Asma al-Assad once served as the glamorous face of a brutal regime. While her husband’s government terrorized its own people with barrel bombs and chemical weapons, she enjoyed a life of luxury.
Now, with the regime’s collapse, Asma has turned away from her husband. Her apparent quest for a new life in London signals a dramatic break from her past, leaving the once-luxurious façade of her life in ruins.
