Syrian leader demands Putin extradite ex-president to face trial

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has formally requested that Russian President Vladimir Putin extradite Syrian ex-president Bashar al-Assad, who is currently in Russia, to Damascus for trial.

On March 20, it was revealed that Putin had sent a message to al-Sharaa, offering his support for efforts to quickly stabilise the situation in Syria, which has seen growing clashes between fighters loyal to the new government and Alawites who continue supporting Assad, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The Kremlin's statement regarding the message emphasised Russia’s commitment to strengthening its traditionally friendly relations with Syria. 

"The message confirmed Russia's unwavering readiness to develop practical cooperation with the leadership of Syria on a wide range of bilateral issues, aimed at strengthening the traditionally friendly Russia-Syria relations," the statement read.

The situation in Syria escalated dramatically in early March, with violent clashes between Alawites and supporters of the new authorities affecting the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Homs. Reports have indicated more than a thousand casualties. 

In response to the unrest, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that between 8,000 and 9,000 Syrians were sheltered by the military at Russia's Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia during the riots. Assad fled Syria in early December 2024 when rebels led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham captured Damascus after less than two weeks of advancing from the north. 

The fall of Damascus marked the collapse of Assad’s regime. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia. Following his departure, Assad arrived in Moscow, where Russia granted asylum to him and his family members.

By Naila Huseynova