Syria In the bedroom of the ousted ruler
Abu Omar walks from one room to another, taking photos to capture the historic moment: The 44-year-old roams the luxury residence of ousted Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Sunday.
09.12.2024, 06:30
SDA
"I'm taking photos because I'm so happy to be here in the middle of his house," he told the AFP news agency. "I came to take revenge because they have oppressed us in an incredible way." Dozens of men, women and children visit Assad's residence in the affluent Malki district on this day after the ruler fled the country to seek refuge in Moscow.
They walk through the large garden and through the numerous rooms of the extensive building complex. Apart from a few pieces of furniture and a portrait of Assad lying on the floor, the rooms are empty. Documents are scattered on the stairs. The residence had previously been looted after Islamist fighters conquered Damascus in the course of their surprise offensive and toppled Assad.
A video circulating on the internet shows onlookers entering the bedrooms of the Assad residence and taking clothes, plates and other possessions belonging to the ousted president, including a Louis Vuitton luxury brand shopping bag.
He is overjoyed, says Abu Omar as he visits the residence. "I'm no longer afraid," he says with emotion in his voice. "My only worry is that we will be united and build this country together."
Power cuts lasting hours are part of everyday life
35-year-old Umm Nader has come with her husband from a neighboring district to inspect Assad's home. She is here "to see what we were not allowed to see while we lived in poverty and deprivation". In the now deserted residence, the heating and electricity had not been turned off, "while our children are getting sick from the cold".
After years of civil war, hour-long power cuts are part of everyday life for people in Syria. According to the United Nations, a large part of the population lives in poverty. "He lived in luxury while we suffered," says another visitor to the residence, 25-year-old Omar.
The Assad clan had ruled Syria with an iron hand for over 50 years. Bashar al-Assad took over power in the country from his late father Hafiz al-Assad in 2000. During more than a decade of civil war, he held on to power with an iron grip. However, the offensive by Islamist fighters has now brought his rule to an end within a few days. Looters and onlookers also invaded the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday. The reception hall there was set on fire.
