Wife of the ex-dictator
Asma al-Assad is said to be seriously ill with leukemia
The wife of the former Syrian ruler was treated for breast cancer five years ago. Now the cancer is said to be back, as a British media reports.
The Assad family fled to Moscow as a rebel offensive reached the Syrian capital Damascus. After 13 years of civil war, Assad’s rule ended. Now the wife of the deposed ruler is said to be seriously ill with leukemia. The British Telegraph writes that she is in quarantine to prevent infection that could worsen her condition. Her father Fawaz Akhras, a British cardiologist, is supposed to look after her. He has been caring for her himself for the past six months, first in the United Arab Emirates and now in Moscow. According to the Telegraph, their chance of survival is 50 percent.
Assad regime announced illness
As early as May, during Assad’s reign, it was announced that she was suffering from leukemia. She had previously been treated for breast cancer. In 2019 she announced that she had beaten cancer. Five years later he has apparently returned.
A Telegraph source close to the family told the paper: “Asma is dying. Because of her condition, she cannot be in the same room with anyone.”
Another anonymous source from Moscow said: “If leukemia comes back, it’s bad. In the last few weeks their chances have been 50/50.” Shortly before, there were reports that Asma al-Assad was dissatisfied with the restrictions in Moscow. And rumors of divorce arose. The Kremlin has rejected these rumors and the Assad family has not commented.
Speculation about a return to London
Given her condition, it is at least conceivable that she could return to her old home of Great Britain for treatment or even just to die. A separation from the ex-dictator would make such a plan easier.
Asma al-Assad grew up in West London with her father and mother Sahar. Her father and three brothers are doctors and her mother is a former diplomat. She studied computer science at King’s College London and became a financial analyst. In 1992 she met Bashar al-Assad. He worked as an ophthalmologist, did not appear in public and was not intended to be his father’s successor. Only after his brother Basil died in a car accident did he return to Syria.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has already stated that Asma al-Assad is not welcome in the UK. Asma al-Assad is a sanctioned person but has British citizenship. Even if she is unwelcome, the government would have difficulty preventing her return.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
