The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) confirmed that the ousted Syrian regime leader, Bashar al-Assad, is not entitled to humanitarian asylum due to his involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The SNHR stated in a report yesterday, Wednesday, December 11, that Russia’s decision to grant al-Assad and his family the right to asylum for “humanitarian reasons” contradicts the provisions of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which excludes from protection individuals accused of committing serious crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against peace, or serious non-political crimes.

It added that al-Assad is accused of killing more than 202,000 civilians, including 15,000 who died under torture, in addition to the disappearance of 96,000 civilians and the forced displacement of nearly 13 million Syrian citizens.

He has also been accused of using chemical weapons and committing widespread violations against the Syrian people.

Article one of the Refugee Convention excludes individuals involved in serious crimes from the right to asylum.

In such cases, countries provide temporary or limited forms of protection without granting full refugee status.

This provision aims to ensure that perpetrators of major crimes do not evade justice while achieving “a balance between protecting refugees, maintaining the integrity of asylum systems, and ensuring justice for victims.”

The SNHR emphasized that if Russia decides to hand over al-Assad to Syria, the Syrian authorities must ensure a fair trial for him, with protection from torture and cruel treatment, in accordance with international standards.

Al-Assad as a refugee in Russia

Russia granted Bashar al-Assad and his family the right to asylum “for humanitarian reasons,” after he arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, on December 8.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that President Vladimir Putin decided to grant al-Assad and his family asylum in Russia “for humanitarian reasons.”

This decision is based on “purely political considerations and does not align with international legal standards.”

On the morning of December 8, Reuters reported that al-Assad left Damascus for an unknown destination (later revealed to be Russia), leading the Syrian opposition factions’ Military Operations Administration to announce al-Assad’s escape, coinciding with their declaration that Damascus is free from his rule, calling on Syrians worldwide to return to a free Syria.

The Military Operations Administration stated, “After 50 years of oppression under al-Baath rule, and 13 years of criminality, tyranny, and displacement, and after a long struggle and confrontation with all forms of occupying forces, we announce today, December 8, 2024, the end of this dark era and the beginning of a new dawn for Syria.”