Activists Highlight Wealth Disparity Amid Syria's Economic Crisis
As the humanitarian crisis in Syria deepens, with 90% of the population living below the poverty line, reports reveal a stark contrast in wealth distribution. The Assad family's estimated wealth ranges from $2 billion to a staggering $120 billion, according to various sources. This wealth is believed to be hidden in secret accounts, real estate, and safe havens abroad. The British magazine 'Finance Monthly' suggests that the family's assets are spread across companies, properties, cash, and gold.
Additionally, the trade in Captagon, a powerful amphetamine, is reported to generate profits exceeding $5 billion annually. Activists claim that a Captagon production facility, allegedly owned by Maher al-Assad, the president's brother, has contributed significantly to the family's wealth while leaving the Syrian state impoverished.
Social media has been rife with criticism of the Assad regime, with users condemning the family's exploitation of the country for personal gain. Comments highlight the regime's prioritization of profit over the welfare of its citizens, with one user labeling Bashar al-Assad as 'the biggest corrupt person and smuggler.'
Economic Sanctions and Frozen Assets
Despite the Assad family's vast wealth, Syria's economy is in dire straits. The interim government has confirmed that the state coffers are nearly empty, with only the Syrian pound remaining, which holds little value. Economic sanctions imposed by the US and Europe have targeted the Assad family, freezing over $150 million in assets in Britain and seizing luxury properties in Spain valued at $600 million.
The head of the interim government, Mohammed al-Bashir, has described the financial situation as 'very bad,' emphasizing the lack of foreign currency and the dire need for economic reform. As the regime continues to face scrutiny over its wealth amid widespread poverty, the future of Syria's economy remains uncertain.
