Russia Rejects Syrian Request to Extradite Bashar al-Assad for War Crimes.

Russia Rejects Syrian Request to Extradite Bashar al-Assad for War Crimes

Moscow has formally refused demands from Syria’s new government to extradite ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, who faces charges of war crimes and human rights abuses during his 24-year rule.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed the Kremlin’s rejection, revealing that the extradition request was made in January 2025 as part of negotiations over Russia’s military presence in Syria.

Russian officials, including Ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev, dismissed the demand as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that Assad’s asylum in Russia granted under President Vladimir Putin’s orders prohibits his political or media activity but shields him from accountability.

Despite the refusal, Damascus remains open to future cooperation with Moscow, citing reliance on Russian weapons, energy agreements, and potential UN Security Council support.

The stalemate underscores tensions between Syria’s push for transitional justice and Russia’s strategic interests in maintaining influence in the region.