A court in Syria yesterday sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia (without his physical presence) for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Syrian civil war.
These are the first convictions issued against Assad or another member of his family, although they are largely symbolic, as he and his brother Maher (who was also convicted) have fled to Russia since December 2024, when his government collapsed.
Six other former officials were also sentenced to death in absentia. The only former official sentenced to death who is in custody is Assad’s maternal cousin, Atef Najib.
Assad was President of Syria from 2000, while a civil war aimed at overthrowing him began in 2011, ultimately resulting in his removal in December 2024.
Although it is unlikely that Assad will ever be brought to justice, the rulings are expected to be welcomed by many Syrians, particularly those who have expressed dissatisfaction because the new government has not moved quickly or decisively enough against figures linked to the Assad regime.
“Bashar Assad used state mechanisms to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity,” the judge said during the trial, which was broadcast live on state television – in stark contrast to trials during the Assad era, which were held in secret.
Source: Associated Press
