Bashar al-Assad’s wife faces barriers to cancer care after passport issues
London: So, it turns out that Asma al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s wife, can’t go back to the UK for her cancer treatment. Her British passport expired, and now she’s stuck.
She’s 49 and was born in London to Syrian parents. Asma was the First Lady of Syria until her husband was overthrown last month. She had breast cancer back in 2019, but now she’s been diagnosed with leukemia. It’s a tough situation, and reports say it’s unclear where she can get the help she needs.
Interestingly, the family has been welcomed in Russia by Putin. Her dad, Fawaz Akhras, has left London to be with her in Moscow. But the news isn’t great; she’s said to have a “50-50” chance of survival.
There’s been some chatter in the media about her not being happy in Russia and even wanting a divorce to escape. But the Kremlin has denied those claims, insisting that she and Bashar are still together.
Asma can’t go back to Syria either, and her expired passport means she can’t get treatment in the UK. It’s a bit murky whether she let it expire or if the government had a hand in it. Since 2012, she’s been under sanctions, which include a travel ban.
UK officials have made it clear she’s not welcome back. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated she’s “not welcome here,” and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is also against her return, especially after the fall of the Assad regime.
Sir Keir Starmer even tweeted about the situation, saying the Syrian people have suffered for too long under Assad’s rule. Asma has been by her husband’s side throughout the civil war that started in 2011, playing a significant role behind the scenes.
The couple has three kids: Hafez, 23, Zein, 21, and Karim, 19. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has called for the government to clarify its stance on the Assad family and their actions.