Syria Demands Russia Extradite Assad

• 29.01.2025, 17:42

The rebels are also seeking the extradition of the fugitive dictator's entourage.

The Syrian authorities have demanded that Moscow extradite former dictator Bashar al-Assad and his closest aides, who fled to Russia after the rebels captured Damascus last December. This was stated by the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, The Times Of Israel reports, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

According to the publication's sources, Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on whether such a demand had actually been made. The Kremlin also states that it is continuing to establish dialogue with the new Syrian leadership in order to preserve its military facilities in the country. This concerns the naval base in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase near the port city of Latakia, the loss of which could deal a serious blow to Russia's military capabilities in the region. The information about the demand for Russia to extradite Assad was also confirmed by a Reuters source on the Syrian side who is familiar with the negotiations.

The Russian delegation arrived in Damascus on January 28 for the first time since the overthrow of Assad, who fled to Moscow with his family in early December.