EU to put sanctions on Assad’s wife

Asma al-Assad is among 12 Syrians to be added to a number of figures, including the president, who are already subject to sanctions.

It was unclear whether the ban would stop her from travelling to the UK.

The 36-year-old, who is of Syrian descent but spent much of her life in west London, has generally played a low-key role in the regime.

However, in February she wrote to Britain's Times newspaper to explain why she thought her husband was still the right man to lead Syria.

Recent emails showed that she has continued to shop online for luxury items even after the uprising began.

In recent weeks, the Damascus government has stepped up its efforts to crush pockets of rebellion in cities including Homs and Hama.

Every day, activists report dozens of deaths and more protests.

The UN says at least 8,000 people have died since the uprising against Assad's regime began last March.

The president and his allies said terrorist and armed gangs are behind the violence, and said hundreds of security personnel have been killed fighting them.