With sprawling mansions, heavily armed guards and high walls, Rublyovka is considered the most prestigious place to be in Russia – the west Moscow suburb is home to political elites, celebrities and a fair few oligarchs.
‘It’s extremely secluded. Just imagine high fences, cameras everywhere. At the same time, these luxurious villas. The Moscow River is next door.’
Pjotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter for the Guardian, talks to Annie Kelly about the exclusive Moscow neighbourhood to which the Assad family have relocated since their exile from Syria. He outlines the relationship between the Assads and Putin, and what is known about the family’s financial situation, their life in Russia, and their aspirations for the future.
Will Christou, a Beirut-based reporter, describes the means by which the Assads fled Syria during the uprising and the likelihood of the family facing justice.
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