![Deposed dictator [Assad] gaming lavishly in Moscow.](https://freedomx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1726dc7ethumbnail-1200x675.jpeg)
Syria’s former President Bashar al-Assad, once known as "The Butcher" for his brutal regime, is reportedly living a secluded life in a luxury Moscow apartment following his deposition in 2024. According to a report by German newsweekly Die Zeit, Assad spends his days playing online video games and enjoying panoramic views of the Russian capital, protected by President Vladimir Putin.
Key Takeaways
- Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is reportedly living in a luxury Moscow high-rise.
- He is said to spend significant time playing online video games.
- Assad is believed to be under the protection of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The report does not specify which video games he plays or if he plays with others unaware of his identity.
A New Life in Moscow
After years of civil war and a brutal crackdown on dissent, Bashar al-Assad, who succeeded his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000, has found refuge in Moscow. The German publication Die Zeit reports that the former dictator resides in a high-rise apartment offering impressive views of Moscow landmarks. His lifestyle also reportedly includes access to a villa outside the city and occasional visits to a nearby shopping mall.
From Physician to Fugitive
Assad’s past is marked by a violent conflict that saw his Russian-backed forces accused of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons and indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas. Interestingly, during his medical training years, Assad was reportedly considered "geeky," a detail that adds a peculiar layer to his current reported pastime of online gaming. The specific games he plays, and whether he engages with other players who are unaware of his notorious identity, remain unspecified in the report.
