US State Department fails to reveal Assad's net worth despite Congressional bill

The US State Department has failed to release a report revealing the net worth of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad despite being mandated to do so this week.

A law compelling the State Department to submit a report within 120 days outlining the wealth and net worth of Bashar al-Assad was approved by the US Congress at the end of 2021.

Today was the deadline for @StateDept to publish a report about Assad's wealth and corruption in Syria
State Department didn't publish anything and didn't reschedule for it
It seems like Iran's deal is a major priority that The US doesn't want to piss off Iran in anything anymore pic.twitter.com/wQYgWVXhvf

— Asaad Sam Hanna (@AsaadHannaa) April 27, 2022

The report was meant to highlight the “estimated net worth and known sources of income of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family members,” according to the bill approved by Congress last year. 

The bill highlighted that income "from corrupt or illicit activities" gained by Assad and his "spouse, children, siblings, and paternal and maternal cousins" should be revealed.

On social media, dozens of people have called on the State Department to explain why the report has not been made available yet.

Republican Senator Joe Wilson said he is “very disappointed that the @StateDept has failed to publicly release the report required by law today detailing the wealth and corruption of the brutal Assad family” in a tweet on Tuesday.

Very disappointed that the @StateDept has failed to publicly release the report required by law today detailing the wealth and corruption of the brutal Assad family.

— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) April 26, 2022

The New Arab has contacted the US State Department for comment.

Assad and his family control a vast business empire in Syria encompassing diverse sectors such as telecommunications, energy, banking, and tourism.

They have been accused of massive corruption while committing human rights abuses against the Syrian population, around 80% of whom live in poverty.

Forces loyal to the regime have been accused of massacring civilians, killing prisoners, using outlawed chemical weapons, and bombing schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and residential areas.

On 27 April, The Guardian revealed footage showing the brutal murder of at least 41 detainees who were tied and handcuffed before they were shot by a member of the Syrian intelligence.