UPDATE - Syrian envoy to Russia seeks political asylum: Report

Bashar Jaafari asks for protection after being recalled to Damascus, TASS cites source as saying

UPDATE WITH NEW INFORMATION, CHANGE IN LEAD

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Syrian Ambassador to Moscow Bashar Jaafari has requested political asylum in Russia following his recall to Damascus, as he does not intend to return, according to a source who spoke with Russia's state news agency TASS on Monday.

“The Syrian ambassador’s request for asylum will be considered; he does not plan to return to Damascus at this time,” the source was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The same source confirmed that Jaafari had earlier requested asylum in the Russian Federation, though no additional details were provided.

There was no immediate comment from Syrian or Russian authorities on the matter.

Jaafari was recently informed of his recall to Damascus and the replacement of the head of the Syrian diplomatic mission in Russia.

Kaynak: