Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death in Absentia for War Crimes

A Syrian court has sentenced former dictator Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia after convicting him of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the civil war. This ruling marks the first conviction against Assad, who fled to Moscow with his family following the fall of his regime in December 2024.

Alongside Assad, his cousin Atef Najib, the former head of political security in Deraa, was also sentenced to death. Najib appeared in court wearing a prison uniform as the judge announced his sentence. Deraa is recognized as the starting point of the uprising against Assad's rule, which began in March 2011 after the alleged torture of teenagers accused of anti-government graffiti.

The interim government of Syria has initiated trials for officials associated with the Assad regime, which ruled for over 50 years. Najib was convicted of multiple crimes, including murder and torture. The court also sentenced six other former military and security officials, including Assad's brother Maher, to death in absentia. The new Syrian authorities are currently facing challenges in securing the extradition of Assad and other officials from Russia.