Family of Assad’s wife address ‘divorce’ amid calls for UK passport to be SCRAPPED trapping her in Putin’s ‘Golden Cage’
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THE family of Bashar al-Assad's wife have broken their silence amid rumours the dictator is getting divorced. It comes amid growing calls for Brit-born Asma al-Assad - who stood by as her husband slaughtered - to have her UK passport ripped up. Deposed Assad and his wife face living out their days trapped in a "golden cage" in exile in Moscow.
![[Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have fled the country for Russia]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/syrian-president-bashar-al-assad-959595603.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
After fleeing the uprising in Syria that ended their two decade dictatorship, the Assads turned to pal Vladimir Putin for help. They jumped on a jet and flew to Russia - and haven't been seen in public since. Rumours yesterday began to circulate that Asma - who married Assad when he became president - was seeking a divorce and wanted to return to the UK.
![[Bashar and Asma married in 2000, the same year when Assad suddenly inherited Syria's dictatorship]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2847cd0-5920-4c54-bc85-beace73c2442.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Her family however have since hit back at the claims which originated in Turkish media. Asma's father Fawaz Akhras told The Daily Beast: "I am able to confirm that the reports are false.". Asma, known for her intelligence and charm, was said to be dissatisfied with her life under Putin's thumb in Moscow.
She is said to be undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood and bone marrow cancer. And it was reported she would prefer to be treated in the UK. Her father, a London-based cardiologist, said: “She is receiving the best treatment possible.".
![[Assad and Asma arrive at the Elysee Palace in Paris in 2008]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/syrian-president-bashar-al-assad-955607547_3d5e21.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Asma has applied to a Russian court for permission to leave Russia for Britain, reports the Jerusalem Post. Even if Asma did win the court case, getting into the UK is looking unlikely. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has previously said Asma was no longer welcome in the UK, implying she may soon lose her UK passport.
![[Assad is now hiding in Moscow under the protection of pal Putin]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_296166.png?strip=all&w=620)
