🗞️ Corrective Statement: Bashar al-Assad Between Immunity and Accountability — Could Russia Hand Him Over?

🔗 🇸🇾 لقراءة المقال كاملًا بالعربية: «🗞️ بيان تصحيحي: بشار الأسد بين الحصانة والمساءلة — هل يمكن لروسيا أن تسلّمني؟» 👉 اضغط هنا

Introduction: President on Paper, Refugee in Reality

For over two decades, I’ve officially held the title of President of the Syrian Arab Republic. Re-elected in 2021 with 95.1% of the vote—an electoral masterpiece spoiled only by its own perfectionism—I still enjoy formal recognition from the UN and regained my seat in the Arab League in 2023, as if nothing ever happened.

But this recognition doesn’t reflect the ground reality: a collapsed state, fragmented territory, a society torn between displacement, exile, hunger, and loyal fatigue. Domestically, I operate within boundaries defined by my Russian and Iranian partners. Internationally, I move slowly… followed only by my own shadow, now heavier than my presence.

Legal Status: Technically President, Legally Untouched

To date, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not issued any arrest warrant against me. Why? Syria never signed the Rome Statute, which means the Court has no jurisdiction unless the UN Security Council decides to refer me. But whenever that idea comes up, the Russian “nyet” and occasional Chinese “we’ll see” are quick to shut it down.

Does that mean I’m innocent? Absolutely not. Human rights organizations have compiled enough evidence to rival ancient mythologies: Caesar photos, survivor testimonies, chemical attack records. But international law doesn’t move on evidence alone — it needs interests.

Moscow: Safe Haven or Velvet Prison?

Since Russia’s direct military intervention in 2015, Moscow has become more than an ally — it's my custodian. From airbases in Hmeimim to vetoes in New York and orders from the Kremlin, my presence is tightly curated.

So, could Moscow hand me over?

Legally speaking: if there’s no warrant, they have no obligation. Even if there were, Russia doesn’t recognize the ICC’s authority. Case in point: Vladimir Putin’s own ICC warrant in 2023 didn’t even cause a hiccup.

Politically? It’s murkier. I might one day be traded for concessions or contracts. But for now, I’m still too useful. A strategic asset—not a liability.

Hypothetical Syria 2.0: Could They Request My Extradition?

Let’s say a new Syrian regime rises from the ashes—through transition, revolution, or total collapse. They might request my extradition. But that would require:

Russia to recognize the new authority.

A political decision to revoke my protection.

A legitimate, independent Syrian judiciary.

International legal endorsement.

In short: a utopian cocktail of fantasy conditions. Even if a request were filed, the likely Russian reply would be: “We’re reviewing it.” End of story.

Present Status: Exiled, But with Presidential Stationery

Today, I’m in a unique position: not a fugitive, not officially a refugee, and no longer a fully functioning president. I hold the state seal, sign decrees, but can’t book a hotel room in Paris or call a Western leader without a translator... and a lawyer.

What does this mean? Like my regime, I’m suspended in limbo. I govern, but I don’t possess. I speak, but only hear myself. I breathe, but rarely exhale. Or to be exact: I function like an old TV in the corner of a forgotten room — still on, but no one dares to touch the remote.

Final Word: Would Russia Ever Hand Me Over?

Today? No.
Tomorrow? Maybe — if power equations shift.
Do I fear it? Not much.
Am I prepared? Always.
Do I deserve it? That’s not for me to say.

But one thing is certain: international justice doesn’t knock unless politics opens the door first.

Sources (Writings About Us That We’d Rather Deny Reading):

France 24: “Can the ICC prosecute Bashar al-Assad?”
https://www.france24.com/ar/20231027

Le Monde: “The Impossible Condemnation of Bashar al-Assad”
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2023/12/04

Amnesty International & Human Rights Watch reports on Syria
https://www.amnesty.org/ar/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/syria/

Legal analyses from European human rights centers
https://www.ecchr.eu/en/case/syria-crimes-against-humanity/