International
Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad safe in Russia, says Dy FM Sergey Ryabkov
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has confirmed that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is safe in Russia and will not be extradited.
While Ryabkov acknowledged al-Assad’s asylum status, he declined to disclose details about his arrival, calling it inappropriate to elaborate further.
Russia’s refusal to extradite al-Assad aligns with its decision not to participate in the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute, according to Xinhua news agency.
Al-Assad fled Syria following a swift offensive by militant groups that overran government-held areas, leading to the fall of Damascus within 12 days. His resignation and departure to Russia on Sunday marked the end of his regime.