The Russian agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source on Assad and his family being given asylum in Moscow, his longtime ally and protector. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but contacted the Kremlin for comment.
RIA also said Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria.
Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday, and Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule.
Ah yeah, I totally misunderstood you. You’re right though, it is weird. Why would Russia lie about it, but also why wouldn’t they present him from the outset?
Potential reasons to lie about it: Russia helps propping up all sorts of regimes around the world. So to reassure them having Russia as emergency destination is useful. Also the idea that ousted dictators can be killed by their people is not in Putins interest.
Potential reasons not to present him yet: Assad surely will not look presentable right now, having fled the country on a whim. See first point. Also Russia wants to negotiate with the following governmemt to keep its military bases. Having pictures of Assad waving into the camera as he steps out of his plane in Moscow would make the Syrian public more hostile towards that.