The Kremlin on Monday categorically denied the media reports which stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s wife has filed for divorce.
The Turkish media earlier claimed that Asma-al Assad, wife of ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, wanted to end her marriage and leave Russia. As per the reports, Assad and her wife had been granted asylum in Russia after the overthrow of Assad's regime.
However, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman on Monday denied the reports of Mrs. Assad seeking a divorce. In a statement, the spokesman said, “No, they do not correspond to reality.”
He also denied that the former Syrian president has been confined to Moscow and his assets have been frozen.
Reports from the Turkish media suggested that the Assads were living under severe restrictions in the Russian capital. The reports also said that Assad's wife wanted to return to London.
The BBC has reported that Assad had no plans to flee Syria, however, at Moscow’s request, he was airlifted from a Russian military base. Russia is an ally of Assad’s regime and has provided military assistance during the civil war.
Asma al-Assad holds dual Syrian-British nationality. She was born in the UK to Syrian parents and moved to Syria in 2000. Later, she married Assad, months after he succeeded his father as president.
The UK Foreign Secretary has previously stated that she would not be allowed to return to Britain. The BBC has reported that during a parliamentary session earlier this month, David Lammy confirmed, “I want it confirmed that she’s a sanctioned individual and is not welcome here in the UK.” He added, “I will do everything I can in my power” to ensure no member of the Assad family “finds a place in the UK.”
On December 8, the five-decade rule of Assad’s family in Syria ended after rebel factions overthrew his government.