In an exclusive interview on Euronews Albania this Wednesday, Ribal al-Assad, the first cousin of the deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, shared shocking insights into his tumultuous relationship with his relative and the brutal regime that has governed Syria for decades.
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In his conversation with journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, Ribal detailed his conflicts with Bashar al-Assad, including an attempt on his life after a heated encounter with the Syrian president. Ribal recalled the moment he confronted Bashar outside a hotel, openly criticizing his rule. This encounter, Ribal explained, led to multiple assassination attempts by Bashar’s agents after he returned to Syria.
"I met Bashar only that one time outside the Sheraton Hotel, where he threatened me. I stood up to him, and he walked away. After that, his people tried to kill me. Since then, I haven’t communicated with him, but I’ve spoken to many of my relatives, and their names appeared on the list of people to be killed by the regime," Ribal said.
Ribal also highlighted the pervasive oppression within the Assad family itself. He revealed that many family members who opposed the regime’s brutality have disappeared, with no knowledge of their whereabouts. "Most of the Assad family and relatives live in poverty and hardship. There was a reconciliation between the regime and some jihadist movements around Damascus and Aleppo, who were never arrested. I have a cousin from my mother’s side who returned to Syria from Russia a few years ago, and he disappeared. No one knows where he is," Ribal stated, underlining the ruthless nature of the regime.
Ribal’s family fled Syria in 1984, during the reign of Bashar al-Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, a departure that marked the beginning of his life in exile. Despite the ongoing conflict in Syria, Ribal expressed his hope for a more democratic future for the country, one that steers clear of becoming an extremist state like Iran.
"We want Syria to take a democratic path, not become like Iran. We hope Syrians living abroad, including myself, will return and take leadership positions in the country’s structures," he said. Ribal emphasized that many Syrians with expertise, living in the United States and Europe, are eager to contribute to Syria’s future. "We want to be the generation that promotes democracy in Syria, to be friends with the West. We need support from the West to overcome this difficult period. We don’t want to become a country like Iran or Turkey, and to prevent that, the only way forward is with help from Western countries."
Ribal’s words reflect the aspirations of millions of Syrians who are determined to rebuild their country, seeking a path that diverges from the oppressive, authoritarian rule that has plagued Syria for decades. His call for international support underscores the critical role that external actors can play in facilitating a democratic transformation in Syria. As the region continues to be engulfed in turmoil, the hopes of individuals like Ribal al-Assad remain focused on a future where Syria is free from dictatorship and extremism.