Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia

Published Aug 12, 02:48 PM UTC

A Syrian court in Damascus sentenced ousted President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on Tuesday, finding him guilty of murder, torture, and crimes against humanity committed before and during Syria's 14-year civil war. The verdict also applied to his brother Maher al-Assad and six other former officials, all tried in absentia. Assad's cousin Atef Najib, who was present in court, received a death sentence but retains the right to appeal. The sentences are largely symbolic as Assad and his brother fled to Russia after their government's collapse 20 months ago. Nonetheless, the verdicts sparked celebrations across Syria, where many citizens have grown impatient with the slow pace of accountability. Legal experts caution that transitional justice takes time, but the rulings are seen as setting a strong legal precedent for prosecuting other former regime officials.