Assad Sentenced to Death for War Crimes in Syria

The Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced ex-President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes committed during Syria's civil war. Assad, who has been in exile in Moscow since December 2024, was found guilty alongside his cousin, Atef Najib, the former Head of Political Security in Deraa province, who was convicted of premeditated murder and torture.

The court's ruling included findings that the crimes committed by Assad's government in Deraa in 2011 amounted to crimes against humanity. This marks the first conviction against Assad, whose regime was overthrown after over 50 years in power.

Najib, one of the highest-ranking officials tried, appeared in court wearing a striped prison uniform. The court also sentenced six other former military and security officials, including Assad's younger brother, Maher, and former defense minister Fahd al-Freij, to death in absentia.

Nouha al-Masri, a plaintiff in the case, expressed hope that this verdict would lead to further accountability for the crimes committed during the conflict.