The German newspaper “zeit” published a new report discussing what it called “the hidden life of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Moscow,” noting that he freely roams Moscow, visits a shopping center, and plays computer games for hours.

The German paper stated it managed to access Assad’s hideout in the Russian capital, where he resides in a luxury skyscraper, while his family owns about 20 apartments spread over 3 floors.

The report says that “under the mercy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Assad has pledged silence,” adding: “It is said that Putin monopolizes information, ensuring complete control over Assad’s rule in Syria and his deep involvement. As a result, the former dictator (Assad) has kept himself away from the spotlight.”

The German newspaper quoted a former close friend of the Assad family now living in Europe saying that “Bashar al-Assad survived assassination attempts by bombings in 2012 and that several of his personal guards were killed,” noting that he “decided to leave Syria afterward.”

The friend, named “K.”, citing reliable sources, revealed that “Bashar al-Assad and his family move freely in Moscow, using personal guards from a private security company funded by the Russian government,” adding: “Bashar lives in 3 apartments in a tower with a shopping center underneath, which he visits occasionally, and he spends hours playing online video games.”

The source reveals that Assad’s wife, Asma, is in a very critical health condition; she was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and recovered, but the disease returned in spring 2024 and her condition is now considered unstable.

Also, the source says that “Maher, Bashar’s brother, resides at the Four Seasons Hotel in the city and spends his time smoking hookah.”