Bashar Al-Assad’s wife files for divorce, wants to return to UK

Asma al-Assad, wife of deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce and expressed her desire to return to the United Kingdom, reports The Jerusalem Post quoting Turkish and Arab media sources.

The report said that Asma al-Assad is dissatisfied with her life in Moscow, where the Assads have resided in exile. Asma has allegedly applied to a Russian court seeking special permission to leave the country, with her application currently under review by Russian authorities.

Born in London in 1975 to Syrian parents, Asma al-Assad holds dual British-Syrian citizenship. She completed degrees in computer science and French literature at King’s College London before pursuing a career in investment banking. Asma married Bashar al-Assad in December 2000.

The couple has three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim. Asma has reportedly sought to exile herself in London with her children since the Syrian uprising began.

Bashar al-Assad, now residing under asylum in Moscow, faces severe restrictions imposed by Russian authorities. Although his asylum request has been accepted, he is prohibited from leaving Moscow or engaging in political activities. Russian authorities have also frozen his assets, which include 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion in cash, and 18 properties in Moscow, reports claim.

Source : NDTV