Bashar al-Assad, the former president of Syria, now lives in Moscow and enjoys a secluded and luxurious life. According to Western media, he engages in video games, learns the Russian language, and refreshes his professional skills in ophthalmology.
After leaving Syria in December, Assad settled in Moscow, in the elite Moscow-City area. His apartments are described as luxurious, with cream-colored furniture and crystal chandeliers. He is also back to practicing ophthalmology and lives under the protection of the Russian authorities.
Assad's luxurious life in Moscow has drawn much criticism from Syrians who suffered during his rule and the war in the country. At the same time, Russian officials claim that Assad is in Russia for humanitarian reasons and that he is not in any danger.