Journalism of Courage
As Syrians are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, some leaked videos are making waves on social media. The videos show Assad talking privately with his former adviser Luna al-Shibl, who passed away in 2024. In the clips, Assad makes some shocking comments about Syrians, Putin, and Eastern Ghouta. The videos have sparked a lot of discussion among Syrians, with many expressing outrage and disappointment .
According to Al Arabiya, the footage was kept inside the Presidential Palace in an envelope marked “Top Secret.” However, the date of the recordings is unclear. Assad was removed from power last year after opposition forces entered Damascus. He has since taken refuge in Moscow, which had backed him throughout the Syrian conflict.
Citing sources, Al Arabiya reported that Amjad Issa, al-Shibl’s assistant, was in the car with them when some of the videos were recorded.
In one clip posted on X, Assad is heard speaking about ordinary Syrians, saying they “spend on mosques while they can’t even afford food.”
Another video shows al-Shibl asking Assad what he feels when he sees his own portraits across the country. Assad replies that he feels “nothing.”
When speaking about the state of Syria, Assad says: “I don’t just feel ashamed, I feel disgusted.”
In another segment, he uses harsh words for Eastern Ghouta, saying, “Curse Ghouta.” Al-Shibl is also heard saying Hezbollah once spoke proudly about its strength, adding, “And now we don’t hear a word from them.”
Some clips show the two mocking Syrian soldiers who were filmed kissing Assad’s hand in the past. Al-Shibl sarcastically comments that Syrians are “so polite.” Assad is also heard saying, “They look me in the face… I love them, but I’m disgusted by them.”
One of the leaked videos also contains remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s appearance. Al-Shibl asks Assad: “Did you see how bloated Putin looks?” Assad responds, “It’s all procedure.”
She replies, “Yes, everything about Putin is procedures. He’s 65 years old… that clip exposed him badly.”
The Al Arabiya report said the recordings are “more shocking to al-Assad’s supporters than to his opponents,” as they show the former leader speaking openly about Syrians during his time in power.
Assad ruled Syria from 2000 until he was ousted last year. He is believed to be living in Moscow.
