Syria's new government requests Bashar Assad's extradition

The new Syrian government has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to extradite former President Bashar al-Assad for trial, Al Arabiya reported.

The official request was sent to Moscow on behalf of the Syrian President and leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, Ahmed al-Shar'a (Al-Julani). According to Reuters sources, Bashar al-Assad had previously demanded the return of funds sent to Moscow. During a recent visit by a Russian delegation, it was reported that the Assad family does not own assets in Russia.

During this meeting, Syrian representatives again raised the issue of handing Assad over to Moscow to stand trial in the country. According to Al Arabiya sources, after three hours of negotiations, the Russian side stressed that the issue of Assad's extradition is not an insurmountable obstacle to the restoration of relations between the two countries.

In addition, on March 20, Vladimir Putin sent a letter to his Syrian counterpart with a proposal to continue cooperation and support for his "efforts to stabilize the situation." The issue is about the armed clashes in Syria between government forces and Alawites, who are considered Assad's supporters. More than a thousand civilians were killed in these battles in the northern regions of the country in early March.

In early February, the new Syrian Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Kasra, stressed that Syria would act in its own interests regarding the Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim. According to him, if Moscow gives Syria what it needs - Assad, who is currently hiding in Russia - Russia will have the opportunity to keep these facilities.

In recent months, Vladimir Putin has sought to strengthen ties with the new government in order to maintain military bases and Russian influence in Syria. For example, several tankers carrying Russian oil arrived in Syria last week. Also in February and March, Syrian currency printed in Moscow during Assad's rule was sent to Damascus.

According to reports, Bashar Assad and his family have sought asylum in Russia and are currently living in Moscow. The new Syrian government has said it is seeking his extradition for trial. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”