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 on Tuesday, finding him guilty of murder, torture, and crimes against humanity committed before and during the country's 14-year civil war. The verdicts, which also included death sentences for his brother Maher al-Assad and six other former officials, were delivered in absentia as Assad and his brother fled to Russia after their government's collapse 20 months ago. Assad's cousin Atef Najib, who was present in court, can appeal his sentence. While the rulings are largely symbolic for the exiled leaders, they mark the first legal accountability against Assad or his inner circle since his family's five-decade rule ended. The verdicts were met with celebrations across Syria, though many citizens remain frustrated with the slow pace of transitional justice. Legal experts say the decision sets a strong precedent for prosecuting other former regime officials.