Fact Check: Image of Bashar Assad Misrepresented as Current Moscow Visit

A Facebook post claiming to show Bashar Assad and his wife in Moscow is false. The image is actually from February 2023, depicting the couple visiting earthquake victims in Aleppo. This misrepresentation has been debunked by various media outlets.

A recent Facebook post incorrectly claimed to display Syrian President Bashar Assad and his wife Asma in Moscow, presuming they had fled Syria after a rebel takeover. The post asserted that they were captured in a moment where they are being granted political asylum by Russia. However, this assertion is unfounded, as the image depicted was actually taken in February 2023, showing the couple visiting earthquake victims in Aleppo, prior to any subsequent developments regarding Assad’s status.

The image in question originated from Assad’s visit to earthquake survivors in Aleppo, following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region. Rather than evidencing his whereabouts in Moscow, the photo predates the current political context significantly. This correction was corroborated by various reputable outlets, including Voice of America and France24, which provided similar reports shortly after the earthquake took place.

Despite the continuing tumultuous political atmosphere in Syria and President Biden’s remarks regarding Assad’s regime collapse, the photograph circulating on social media does not portray Assad fleeing to Russia, as it has been misrepresented. Authorities investigating these claims have determined them to be false, noting that the confusing timeline and misinterpretation of the image led to its virality online.

The claim regarding President Bashar Assad’s purported photograph in Moscow arose amidst ongoing instability in Syria and international focus on the regime’s potential collapse following a recent earthquake. This earthquake caused significant destruction, and Assad’s visits to affected areas aimed to exhibit a sense of solidarity with victims. The misinformation spread via social media reflects broader issues surrounding the challenges posed by false information amidst critical geopolitical shifts.

In essence, the assertion that a specific image of Bashar Assad and Asma in Moscow is legitimately capturing their current situation post-exile is incorrect. The photo does not represent their status after fleeing Syria but showcases a prior visit by Assad to earthquake victims in Aleppo. This illustrates the necessity for verification of visual claims particularly in politically charged contexts, ensuring accurate dissemination of information.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com