The wife of the ousted Syrian president, Asma Assad, is suffering from leukemia and her medical condition is considered critical. According to a report in the British Sunday Times, she will not be able to go to the UK for treatment because her British passport has expired. Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, has decided not to allow her entry into the country despite her health condition and requests.
Asma Assad, born in London, is a British citizen. Her father, a senior cardiologist in London, reportedly left his job to take care of her in Moscow after she fled there before the fall of the regime in Syria.
It is unclear if government officials intentionally prevented the renewal of her passport, which expired in September 2020, or if she chose not to renew it. As it stands, she cannot return to her birthplace to receive treatment, but revoking her citizenship is not being considered.
“Not Welcome Here”
Last week, the British Foreign Secretary stated that she is “not welcome here.” In 2012, after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, sanctions were imposed on Asma in the UK and the European Union, including freezing assets and entry bans.
The latest report regarding her medical condition was last Wednesday, when the Daily Telegraph reported that Asma is in isolation due to her health, with her father by her side, “heartbroken.” It is estimated that Mrs. Assad is dying and cannot be in the same room with anyone due to her condition.
