Bashar Assad's wife barred from UK for cancer treatment

Asma Assad, wife of ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad, is barred from returning to the UK after her passport expired, amid reports of her critical illness in Russia.

Asma Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad, has been barred from returning to the UK after her British passport expired, Sunday Times reports.

Now in Russia, where she and her family fled following the fall of Damascus, Asma is reportedly in critical condition with leukemia, with a 50% chance of survival.

Her father, Dr. Fawaz Akhras, left his medical practice in London to care for her in Moscow.

It is unclear whether her passport expired due to a deliberate government decision or neglect on her part.

UK officials confirmed she no longer has a valid British travel document, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper denying her entry, despite her health issues. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also stated she is unwelcome in the UK.

Asma has faced sanctions since 2012, including a travel ban and asset freeze. Her expired passport means the UK no longer needs to consider revoking her citizenship.

Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia with his family earlier this month after anti-regime forces swiftly seized Damascus, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long control.