Syrian Government Requests Extradition of Bashar Assad from Russia
The new Syrian government has requested the extradition of the former leader of the country, Bashar Assad, who fled to Moscow in early December 2024, according to Reuters citing a source familiar with the Syrian-Russian negotiations.
Russian Delegation Visit to Damascus
The Russian delegation visited Damascus on January 28. Following the visit, the Russian side stated that “the meeting went well,” but noted that the key objective – an agreement on the operation of Russian military bases in Syria – was not achieved.
Request for Extradition
Russian officials declined to comment on what the new Syrian leadership had requested. However, a Syrian source mentioned that Ahmed al-Sharaa requested Moscow to extradite former President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian news agency Sana stated that Damascus also wants Russia, which supported Assad during the country’s civil war, to rebuild trust through “concrete measures such as compensation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.”
Russia’s Response
When asked to confirm whether Russia had been asked to return Assad and pay compensation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov declined to comment.
Russian Support for Assad
For years, Russia has supported the regime of Bashar al-Assad, as well as his father before him. This support has been evident through Russian military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. During the negotiations, the Russians reportedly refused to acknowledge their mistakes and interference in Syria’s internal affairs, leading to only an agreement to continue discussions.
Transition Government in Syria
After Syrian rebels overthrew the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, Ahmed al-Sharaa, led a transition government in Syria. Al-Sharaa has held meetings with representatives from various Western countries and has also met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
Conclusion
The request for Bashar Assad’s extradition from Russia by the new Syrian government highlights the complexities of the country’s political landscape and the ongoing negotiations between Syria and Russia. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the future of Syria and its relationships with other countries.
FAQs
1. Why did the Syrian government request Bashar Assad’s extradition from Russia?
The Syrian government likely wants accountability for Assad’s actions during his regime and seeks to rebuild trust with the international community.
2. How has Russia supported Bashar al-Assad in the past?
Russia has provided military assistance to Assad’s regime, including maintaining military bases in Syria and political support in international forums.